Downstate Intergovernmental & Community Affairs Liaison - VID 217528

Duties Description

Reporting to the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and operating within the External Affairs Business Unit, the Downstate Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Liaison will serve as the agency’s primary point of contact to downstate elected officials and local community organizations. The ideal candidate will drive proactive outreach strategies, manage stakeholder relationships, and work closely with colleagues within External Affairs and across operational affairs, especially the Legal and Strategy units, to advance OGS’s mission.

The Downstate Intergovernmental & Community Affairs Liaison serves as a vital bridge between our agency and the downstate community. In this dynamic role, they will quickly evaluate situations and determine the most effective path forward to advance the agency’s strategic goals and support the community. We are looking for someone who can work independently and thrives on connection and public engagement. Event planning experience is a plus, as this individual will also coordinate and oversee external engagements involving the Commissioner and senior leadership.

The ideal candidate takes initiative to creatively solve problems, delivers high-quality work, and represents OGS with professionalism and sound judgment in high-visibility settings. This role will also provide support for some statewide events.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and sustain positive working relationships with the State Legislature, local governments, advocates, community groups, and other external partners.
• Independently identify, propose, and coordinate outreach to external stakeholders. Appropriately identify issues for escalation.
• Responsible for managing projects that have an impact on OGS operations in the downstate region, seeing projects through from inception to completion, and liaising with all appropriate operational units across OGS.
• Work with the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to identify opportunities and coordinate participation in public-facing events, including researching and vetting opportunities, coordinating briefing memos, aligning messaging, staffing events, and facilitating follow-up work.
• Represent the agency through attendance at community outreach events, meetings with Elected Officials, public hearings, and other meetings of interest, and provide timely, thorough summary reports with high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Support OGS teams, including but not limited to Convention and Cultural Events, Design & Construction, Division of Real Estate, in community outreach engagement to support OGS programming and identify sponsorship opportunities
• Prepare detailed briefing materials for the Commissioner’s appearance at legislative meetings, legislative hearings, panel discussions, and other public meetings. Anticipate topics of discussion based on an understanding of the landscape.
• Respond to elected official inquiries and requests after conferring with individual business units and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.
• Plan and host events, workshops, and forums for educating Elected Officials and external stakeholders on OGS initiatives and identify opportunities for collaboration.
• Track and analyze the status and development of legislation and regulations impacting OGS operations.
• Manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills, judgment, and consistent follow-through.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
  
  

Operating Needs:

• This position requires routine evening and weekend work.
• Travel may be required (approximately 30%), including evenings and weekends, to represent the agency at events and regional initiatives as needed.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.
  
  

About OGS

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for New York State government operations, including Executive Agencies, State Legislature, Judiciary, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. Learn more about our agency at https://ogs.ny.gov/about-us and read our strategic plan at https://ogs.ny.gov/strategic-plan.

Minimum Qualifications

Seven (7) years of related experience* which includes experience working with government agencies and legislative bodies in Albany, New York City, New York State.

Candidate must also demonstrate:

• An understanding of the state legislative process as well as downstate local government operations, including Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, the lower to mid-Hudson Valley, and New York City.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage projects.
• Exceptional communication skills, including strong writing skills that reflect attention to detail. Writing sample required.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience building and maintaining relationships across diverse groups.
• Ability to convey complex information in a way understood by the general public.
• Driver’s license preferred.
• Education Substitutions for specialized experience:
• Associate degree – Two (2) years
• Bachelor’s degree – Four (4) years
• Master’s or JD degree – Five (5) years
  
  

NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.

Additional Comments

The Office of General Services (OGS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants from all communities to apply.

For a full version of OGS’s EEO/AA statement and benefits joining Team #OneOGS, please visit http://www.ogs.ny.gov/employment.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.