Organizational Backgrounds

The Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) is a New York State (NYS) public benefit corporation. Established in 1968, the NHT’s mission is to receive and administer gifts, grants and other funds to further public programs for parks, conservation and historic preservation purposes of the State of New York. The NHT is governed by a four-member Board of Directors comprised of the Commissioner of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the Chair of the State Council of Parks, the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, and the Secretary of State.

The Department of State (DOS) is an NYS agency that plays a critical role in helping to reinvigorate the NYS economy and make its communities more livable. The Department’s divisions, committees and commissions provide a vast array of services. to serve as a vehicle to make New York State’s communities more resilient and progressive to improve the lives of its residents.

The Strategic Program Coordinator will direct the implementation of various actions recommended in the comprehensive management plan for New York State and the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve and strengthen the utilization and impact of the Department of State’s coastal programs throughout Long Island. This includes but is not limited to increasing the number of communities that participate in the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program planning and implementation activities, technical assistance training on coastal policies and the value of consistency reviews, and a myriad of risk hazard and resiliency initiatives, and activities that are developed as part of the new SSER CMP Action Plan.

The selected candidate for this position will be an employee of the NHT with work conducted under the supervision of DOS Deputy Secretary of State.

Description of Duties

The Strategic Program Coordinator implements the NYS Coastal Management Program (CMP) and South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER CMP).

The Strategic Program Coordinator will serve as the Office’s strategic policy and implementation lead for all coastal programs in Long Island and specifically in a leadership staff position for the South Shore Estuary Reserve. The Coordinator will work with the Department of State management team, South Shore Estuary Reserve office staff, the Reserve Council, and municipal and non-government stakeholder organizations throughout Long Island on issues related to resiliency, water quality, watershed planning, habitats, ecosystem-based management, waterfront planning and revitalization, public/private coastal resource stewardship projects, coastal resource outreach activities, etc. This person will also be responsible for identifying and supporting the development of a pipeline of projects that address these issues, developing a strategic plan to leverage implementation resources made available through the DOS programs including those specific to the SSER. This is a critical role to strengthen engagement, education and utilization of coastal resiliency programs in Long Island. Deepening relationships and program delivery in long island is a key component to implementing the CMP and supporting Long Island communities in developing and implementing their vision for a resilient and accessible waterfront.

• Develop and execute a strategic plan for strengthening the impact of DOS programs in Long Island and more specifically, increase the number of Long Island communities that are engaged in DOS programs like the Local Waterfront Revitalization Program.
• Develop proposals and provide strategic input on new programs, initiatives, implementation strategies, and ways to better engage downstate communities.
• Partner with coastal communities, with a focus on frontline and underserved communities, to advance resiliency strategies including natural and nature-based approaches for hazard risk reduction and the enhancement of coastal habitats and associated ecological services.
• Lead on-the-ground, multi-partner natural infrastructure projects, including but not limited to living shorelines, dune nourishment, oyster reefs, and coastal habitat restoration projects.
• Collaborate with DOS coastal program managers, SSER staff, SSER Council, and other partners to develop, support the implementation and monitoring of multi-year DOS EPF, Federal grants, and other sources of funds to ensure investment themes and targets, outreach strategies, and RFPs are in compliance with funding requirements and yield competitive investments from municipalities and partners that advance the goals of the the CMPs.
• Develop a close working relationship with local and regional entities, coastal NGOs, state and federal agency partners, and community leaders/stakeholders that result in collaborations culminate in smart growth development that encourages practices and development patterns that help improve water quality, increase the use of natural and nature-based features, increase public access to the amazing coastal features of long island and supports sustainable recreational use; supports the local and regional blue economy; advances climate resiliency in meeting the Governor’s goals which includes research that supports carbon sequestration and carbon and nitrate reducing technologies and methods.
• Plan and organize events, including expert panels, workshops, and conferences.
• Prepare reports and other written products, and disseminate key findings to professional and general audiences.
• Help to identify and secure foundation and government funding opportunities to advance the CMPs.
• At the direction of the Deputy Secretary and Division Directors, represent the DOS, and where appropriate the SSER Council, at meetings and serve as a liaison with federal, State and local agencies/organizations.
• This role may also support coastal program initiatives taking place in New York City.
• Direct and manage the work and activities of the Reserve Council (Council), and oversee coordination of all aspects of Council meetings which may include establishing content, scope and details for reports and projects that facilitate implementation of the Reserve Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) and any subsequent updates.
• Develop and monitor budgets and expenditures for the implementation of the Reserve Act/CMP (includes Environmental Protection Funds allocated to the Reserve and funds from other sources); develop and monitor operational budgets and expenditures for the Reserve Office for staff, equipment, supplies, services and travel; maintain a high level of control over the accuracy and quality of products directly produced or managed by the Reserve Office.
• Provide day-to-day direction of the Reserve Office staff and establish and adjust workloads, assignments and schedules to meet work plan products schedules; develop detailed annual work plans that includes tasks and schedules; prioritize and supervise delivery of work tasks, public outreach activities, data vetting and peer review of products and oversee reporting of implementation progress by partners and produce required Reserve Implementation Status Reports.
• Develop and execute an internal and external communication strategy with support from the DOS Public Information Office and the OPDCI Communications team to strengthen awareness of DOS programs and initiatives, highlight the incredible assets of the Long Island coastal communities and waterways, the Estuary, and engage a diversity of stakeholders including external regional audiences on strategies that are effectively supporting the goals of the NYS CMP and SSER CMP.
• Establish and maintain professional contacts that contributes to a regional recognition of the Reserve.
• Maintain a high level of professional credibility and visibility to advance the goals of the Reserve CMP.

Qualifications

Required:

A Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, or a closely related field, and 3 years of experience in planning, managing, and/or directing the operations of a coastal management program.

A Master’s degree in environmental studies, or a closely related field, may substitute for 2 years of experience; a Ph.D. may substitute for an additional year.

Must be able to work overtime or extended work hours as needed.

Preferred:

• Demonstrated ability to work independently; take initiative, and exercise sound judgment.
• Demonstrated management skills and ability to develop and lead teams and work effectively with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement programs at the state and local level.
• Demonstrated ability to build cooperation and consensus among groups with diverse interests.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills.
• Proven networking capabilities with both employees and clients.
• Demonstrated analytical and conceptual skills.
• Demonstrated ability with identifying and implementing process improvements.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to prioritize.
• Demonstrated accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated conflict resolution skills.
• Demonstrated judgment and discretion in matters of confidentiality.
• Proficiency in PC applications such as Outlook, Excel, Access, Word and PowerPoint.

Additional Comments

NHT is committed to building and encouraging an inclusive workplace that strives for respect and promotes and values diversity. We believe that organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, and perspective, or any other trait that makes an individual unique, are proven to be better organizations. Please consider joining the team as we work together to build a welcoming workplace where employees recognize their unique characteristics, skills, and experiences are respected, valued, and celebrated.

To support our employees, NHT provides a generous benefits package similar to what is offered to New York State employees. Our total compensation package includes, but is not limited to, leave benefits (14 paid holidays as well as paid vacation, sick, and personal leave); a comprehensive health insurance program including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision plans; and membership in the NYS Employees Retirement System. Additionally, employees may be eligible for partial remote work schedules.

Applicants must submit their resume through Indeed by COB, May 8, 2023.

It is the policy of the State of New York and NHT to provide for and promote equal opportunity employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without unlawful discrimination on the basis of age, race, color, religion, disability, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, veteran or military service, member status, marital status, domestic violence victim status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, arrest and/or criminal conviction record, or any other category protected by law, unless based upon a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception. The NHT is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide their current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Hauppauge, NY 11788

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