Director of Public Affairs

Job Description: The Westchester County Association is looking for an outgoing and industrious individual to help maintain a strong and influential presence in state and local legislative and regulatory affairs while elevating relationships with its members.

About the Westchester County Association: Now in our 75^th year, the WCA is a membership supported professional roundtable focused on economic development in Westchester County, N.Y. and the surrounding region. Home to hundreds of the region’s most well-established businesses and non-profits, our mission is to unite and mobilize professional leaders to advance issues and lead initiatives that strengthen the regional economy.  

About the Role: The Director of Public Affairs will work directly with the President & CEO, as well as WCA staff, member-driven committees, and consultants to develop and drive advocacy initiatives while cultivating relationships with elected officials and key policy staffers at the state and local level. 

Job Responsibilities Include:

• Work with the WCA staff and committees on political and public policy issues, including calls to action, preparation for lobby visits, programs and forums spotlighting policy issues, get-out-the vote, and other member activations as needed
• Serve as liaison with local, county, and state legislative offices, including managing issues and relationships with elected officials and key staff
• Draft policy platforms as well as written and oral testimony, and statements in support/opposition, including briefing papers, letters, funding requests and other official correspondence to elected officials, government agencies, rulemaking bodies, and boards
• Actively monitor, analyze, and assess the impact of pending and potential local and state regulatory proceedings on the industry sectors, and design strategies to further the WCA’s priority advocacy issues
• Represent the WCA at a range of meetings and events in Westchester County, Albany, and throughout the Hudson Valley with peer institutions and alongside external stakeholders.

Job Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (e.g., public policy, political science, communications, urban planning). Specific knowledge of healthcare policy, real estate policy, energy policy, and/or economic development a plus
• Minimum of 2 years’ related experience working in a government/community relations role and/or directly with governmental or community-based organizations. Relevant work experience specifically with New York State government a plus
• Superb written and oral communications skills 
• Strong track record of working independently and managing multiple projects and tasks under pressure and with tight deadlines
• Experience reading, analyzing, and interpreting legislation, local ordinances, regulation, and policy reports
• Ability to use computer and Microsoft Office, generative AI, and other applications
• Driver’s license and use of an automobile

Compensation: Annual salary from $70,000 to $80,000, depending upon skill and experience. Benefits include individual health insurance, 401(k), and generous paid time off.

If you are ready to work with the Westchester County Association and the foremost professional leaders in the region, apply here. In addition to a resumé, please forward with your application a cover letter to cbligh@westchester.org, providing a clear picture of how your background and experience will assist the WCA in advancing its mission and advocating on behalf of its membership. Applications/ Résumés without a cover letter will NOT be considered.

The Westchester County Association is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.