Deputy Director for Government Affairs

Duties Description

Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner for Government Affairs in the Office of Government Affairs, the Deputy Director for Government Affairs assists in the management of legislative and intergovernmental affairs for the Department. The Deputy Director is responsible for tracking legislation, building and managing relationships with members of the legislature and their staff, and serving as a liaison to the legislature on policy matters impacting the Department. Specific duties include but are not limited to:

• Track legislation and policy matters relating to the Department, including reporting on bill status, impact to the Department, and other factors influencing the legislative process.
• Assist in developing and executing the Department’s government affairs strategy.
• Maintain a database of external contacts, including members of the legislature and staff.
• Respond to legislative correspondence, ensuring responses align with Department policy.
• Assist in the preparation for, monitoring of, and reporting on legislative, budget, and other public hearings on topics relating to the Department.
• Advise senior leadership within the agency on public policy matters, potential impact to the Department, and engagement strategy.
• Review, analyze, and produce reports on legislation and public policy matters.
• Schedule meetings, calls, and engagements with members of the legislature and their staff.
• Assist in tracking the implementation of passed legislation and public policies that impact the Department.
• Serve as a Department liaison to members of the legislature and their staff.
• Assist in coordinating intra-agency and inter-agency initiatives as directed by the Assistant Commissioner for Government Affairs.
• Manage files on members of the legislature, committee memberships, policy positions, sponsored legislation, and other pertinent information.
• Assist in managing a caseload of legislative correspondence and resolutions.
• Produce briefings, reports, and policy papers for senior leadership of the Department.
• Monitor and forecast legislative trends and their potential impact on the Department.
• Assist in the development of the Department’s legislative agenda.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree. Law degree or master’s degree preferred.
• At least five years of professional experience relating to government, government affairs, public policy, law, criminal justice, or another related field. Law or master’s degree or other professional qualifications may be substituted for a portion of this minimum requirement.
• Experience working for or with the New York State legislature preferred.
• Familiarity with the state legislative process and workings of the state legislature preferred.
• Proficiency utilizing the New York State Legislative Retrieval System (LRS) preferred.
• Ability to make excellent judgments, and exercise critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills under pressure and time sensitivity.
• Ability to compile, evaluate, and interpret information and data from a variety of sources.
• Ability to independently act on priority projects and issues.
• Ability to prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to identify the most effective and efficient method to carry out duties.
• Ability to read, write, and understand implications of bill language.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential, private, and law enforcement sensitive matters.
• Excellent reading comprehension and writing skills with attention to detail are required, including the ability to communicate complex information both orally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to interact with colleagues and senior leadership inside and outside the agency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Additional Comments

Additional Comments:

• Candidates should be comfortable with entering and touring a correctional facility and community supervision area office.
• Candidates should be comfortable engaging with justice-involved populations.

Salary : $93,659 - $118,388