Review Vacancy
AgencySUNY System Administration
TitleDirector, Government Relations
Occupational CategoryNo Preference
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $95000 to $12000 Annually
Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, public policy, communications, or a related field.
A minimum of six years of experience in state, federal, or local government working with public and elected officials.
Proficient familiarity with the state budgetary and legislative process.
Exceptional writing and interpersonal skills, including public speaking and organizational planning.
Key skills include analytical thinking, policy analysis, and effective stakeholder engagement and communication.
Ability to travel and to work some nights and weekends as required.
Preferred Qualifications:
Graduate degree.
Experience in the New York State legislature.
Experience organizing support for various policy and/or issues.
Supervisory experience.
Duties Description The State University of New York (SUNY) seeks a highly proactive, energetic, and advocacy minded Director of Government Relations to work full-time in Albany to support the advancement of the system's state, federal, and local legislative and policy priorities. The Director will also support efforts to elevate SUNY's stature amongst state and federal agencies and local governments. It is an exciting time to join SUNY, and under the leadership of Chancellor John King, the Director of Government Relations will join a highly collaborative team working to advance SUNY's strategic priorities.
Duties and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, the position is a liaison to state, federal, and local government stakeholders and SUNY System Administration, SUNY's 64 campuses, as well as professional associations, advocacy organizations, and other related stakeholders.
The wide-ranging responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:
Developing and assisting in promoting SUNY's legislative, policy, and budgetary interests.
Maintaining ongoing communication and coordination with the New York State legislature, members of the New York State Congressional delegation, local governments, as well as other entities which take a lead on issues important to SUNY.
Working closely with SUNY System's offices to review SUNY's policy positions, and proactively partnering with the Governor's office and members of the New York State legislature to advance SUNY's policy agenda.
Assisting with preparing and coordinating SUNY's response to state and federal funding and legislative proposals.
Coordinating the development of a long-term vision to elevate SUNY's stature by highlighting expert research, engaging with alumni, and ensuring SUNY's interests are represented on task forces. This strategy will include heightened level of participation and engagement with elected officials and relevant stakeholders at SUNY events.
Overseeing legislative tracking and communications to internal stakeholders regarding legislative developments.
Coordinating and managing legislative events, including but not limited to SUNY's State Legislative Reception, and identifying events to advocate for SUNY's priorities.
Representing SUNY with various entities including professional state education associations, other state systems, campuses, and by representing SUNY at events.
Developing and managing relationships with advocacy organizations related to SUNY's priorities.
Preparing background briefings, materials, and testimony for events, the Chancellor's meetings, and budgetary and legislative hearings.
Coordinating correspondence to legislators' offices, including timely and informative responses and following-up on behalf of the Chancellor and other leaders.
Coordinating lobbying compliance and reporting with SUNY's Office of General Counsel.
Supporting the Vice Chancellor for Government Relations and all related tasks associated.
Supervising and providing professional development and support for at least two staff.
Other management duties and projects as assigned.
Additional Comments Additional Information:
Salary is dependent on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, experience, education, training, and certifications. The range for this position is $95,000.00-$120,000.00
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.
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. This is an in person position.
This position will require night and weekend work as needed as well as periodic travel.
The candidate should be able to lift 20 lbs.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.