What are the responsibilities and job description for the Government Relations Specialist position at The State University of New York?
Location: Albany, NY Category: Professional Positions Posted On: Fri Dec 12 2025 Job Description:
The State University of New York (SUNY) seeks a Government Relations Specialist to work full-time in Albany, NY. The ideal candidate will support the advancement of SUNY system's state, federal, and local legislative and policy priorities. The candidate will join a highly collaborative team working to advance SUNY's legislative and policy priorities across local, state and federal levels.
Reporting directly to the Director for Government Relations, this position will support the advancement of SUNY system's state, federal, and local legislative and policy priorities. The Government Relations Specialist works directly with the Vice Chancellor of Government Relations to manage appointments to SUNY campus Boards of Trustees and University/College Councils, responds to constituent cases, and supports the Office of Government Relations at SUNY's legislative and advocacy events.
In addition, this position will help support SUNY's outreach and advocacy through relationship building with elected officials and campus leadership.
Duties And Responsibilities
Minimum Qualifications:
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
The State University of New York (SUNY) seeks a Government Relations Specialist to work full-time in Albany, NY. The ideal candidate will support the advancement of SUNY system's state, federal, and local legislative and policy priorities. The candidate will join a highly collaborative team working to advance SUNY's legislative and policy priorities across local, state and federal levels.
Reporting directly to the Director for Government Relations, this position will support the advancement of SUNY system's state, federal, and local legislative and policy priorities. The Government Relations Specialist works directly with the Vice Chancellor of Government Relations to manage appointments to SUNY campus Boards of Trustees and University/College Councils, responds to constituent cases, and supports the Office of Government Relations at SUNY's legislative and advocacy events.
In addition, this position will help support SUNY's outreach and advocacy through relationship building with elected officials and campus leadership.
Duties And Responsibilities
- Coordinate with the Governor's Appointments Office, campuses, and internal stakeholders to ensure local campus Boards of Trustees and University/College Councils are current with their appointments.
- Coordinate and respond to constituent cases brought to SUNY by elected officials and governmental stakeholders.
- Provide staffing and other support at legislative and advocacy events.
- Assist in tracking and analyzing legislation that could impact the SUNY system.
- Monitor public hearings, legislative committee meetings, and other relevant meetings.
- Prepare briefing documents, policy memos, and legislative updates for the Chancellor, senior leadership, Board of Trustees, and others.
- Manage a monthly Office of Government Relations newsletter.
- Produce advocacy related materials including alumni posters, district profiles, and social media packages.
- Coordinate lobbying compliance and reporting with SUNY's Office of General Counsel.
- Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred
- Minimum of one to three years of legislative, government relations, advocacy, or related experience
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to turn around projects quickly and thoroughly
- Ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to travel
- Working knowledge of the NYS legislative, budgetary, and policy-making process
- Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000.
- Excellent Benefit Package which includes: NYS health insurance, free dental and vision coverage, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance, parental leave at full pay, and generous vacation, sick, and holiday time. 13 days of paid holidays per year; 21 days of vacation and 21 days of sick time accrued each year. Please see our Management/Confidential benefits summary for additional information.
- Management/Confidential appointments work under the leadership and discretion of the appointing authority and are not represented by a union.
- This position will be based in Albany, NY.
- This is an in-person position with a hybrid schedule/periodic remote work schedule available over time.
- Occasional evenings and weekends as necessary.
SUNY System Administration Benefits
SUNY System Administration provides an outstanding and comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family through the many life changes you may experience while you work for SUNY. Our nationally recognized benefits include:
- Retirement: The choice between a fully funded pension plan and a self-driven defined contribution plan, along with two supplemental plans to increase your ability to save for retirement.
- Health Insurance: Several health insurance options at an affordable cost that provide full coverage without mandatory deductibles.
- Time Off: Paid time off with separate vacation and sick leave accruals up to 21 days a year for each category.
- Additional paid leave policy options for childbirth, adoption, elder care, and other family care situations.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Flexible working arrangements, including hybrid schedules, are available depending on position.
Salary : $65,000 - $80,000