Legislative Coordinator

Description

Duties Description

The Public Information Office (PIO) at the Department of Civil Service is responsible for maintaining a broad-based communications program to ensure that all interested constituent groups are aware of Department programs and services. The Director of Public Information serves as the spokesperson for the Department and communicates proactively through media interaction and the dissemination of announcements to the general public. In addition, the Office administers the agency's public website, social media channels and responds to general inquiries from job seekers, State employees, and other constituents. This position will play a key role in helping to communicate broadly about the many initiatives and programs the Department offers.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Public Information Office and in coordination with the Office of General Counsel, the Director of Legislative and Government Affairs will be responsible for the following:

• Building, maintaining, and strengthening effective working relationships with elected officials, professional and advocacy organizations, policy coalitions, and community groups. Serving as the primary point of contact for these stakeholders and identify issues for escalation.
• Acting as the point of contact for legislative staff or legislators with questions regarding Civil Service operations or policies. This includes providing an overview of Civil Service to legislative staff or legislators and representing Civil Service at legislative forums or legislator facilitated meetings with external stakeholders.
• Working under the Public Information Office, as well as with close coordination with the Office of General Counsel and the Office of Strategic Planning and Innovation, to help shape coalition-building and outreach strategy to achieve public policy aims and enactment of legislative priorities.
• Developing, with the assistance of the Office of General Counsel and input from Civil Service divisions, legislative proposals to advance on behalf of Civil Service.
• Reviewing, analyzing, and providing appropriate written feedback on the Governor’s proposed Executive Budget, 21/30 Day amendments, legislative responses to the Governor’s Budget, and final Enacted Budget.
• Working collaboratively with Civil Service Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Budget/Finance staff to prepare items for inclusion in the Executive Budget; respond to requests from Division of Budget or Executive Chamber regarding legislation of interest and problematic legislative proposals.
• Assisting in the preparation of the Commissioner for legislative hearings, such as the Budget Hearing, which includes but is not limited to drafting testimony.
• Working with the Director of Public Information to develop opportunities for proactive outreach and education and also for responding to and tracking external stakeholder concerns and request for presentations.
• Advising on governmental affairs and community relations strategy.
• Managing the Civil Service legislative portfolio.
• Remaining abreast of new developments in rules, regulations, court decisions and legislation that affect the Agency.
• Researching, analyzing, and tracking pending legislation, hearings, and/or policies that impact Civil Service.
• Reviewing and analyzing legislation under consideration by the New York State Legislature and consulting internally with affected divisions to assess the impact of, and formulate the Agency’s position on, pending legislation.
• Working with Office of General Counsel to brief executive leadership on impacts, recommended positions, and appropriate responses.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and five years of specialized experience.*

• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
  
  

Specialized experience includes the following: constituent and legislative affairs experience, coordinating with a variety of stakeholders, preferably within a government organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience developing strategy and working with executive leadership teams.
• Superior written and oral communication skills and strong organizational and analytical skills.
  
  

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Additional Comments

This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class and will require a background check. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment to this position is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.

#TeamCivilService is growing and is looking for motivated, forward-thinking employees to join our team to build a dynamic workforce. The Department of Civil Service is undertaking several initiatives to transform the way the agency delivers services to our partner agencies and to the public, and we are excited to be adding new members to the team. In addition to joining a growing team and agency, employees will also receive a comprehensive benefits package.

The Department of Civil Service is the central personnel agency for the Executive Branch of New York State government, serving approximately 150,000 employees. Our mission is to build tomorrow's workforce today by promoting a diverse, inclusive, and talented workforce. We lead and deliver world-class workforce management strategies by providing innovative solutions based on merit, fitness, and equality of opportunity.

Among Its Duties, The Department

• Partners with State agencies to offer workforce recruitment and placement services, including developing minimum qualifications, classifying positions, developing civil service examinations, and administering performance assessment tests.
• Administers the New York State Health Insurance Program (https://www.cs.ny.gov/nyship/), one of the largest public employer health insurance programs in the nation, serving more than 1.2 million lives.
• Assists municipal agencies with civil service administration of more than 360,000 local government employees.
• Oversees the Governor's Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities (https://www.cs.ny.gov/rp55/) to place individuals with disabilities in State jobs and the New New York Leaders Initiative Student Intern Program. (https://nysinternships.cs.ny.gov/nnyl/
  
  

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: DCS employees may be approved for a maximum of 50% telecommuting, however, they are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with DCS Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

The Department of Civil Service is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, age, veteran status, disability status, arrest record or criminal conviction history, or any other category protected by law.

We are happy to provide reasonable and religious accommodations during the hiring process for those in need. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please send a request to YourFutureBeginsHere@cs.ny.gov