Director of External Affairs

Description

Organization Overview: The Goddard Riverside Community Center (Goddard Riverside) and the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center (Isaacs Center) are well-established Manhattan community-based agencies that support services to approximately 30,000 New Yorkers. We are two of New York City’s leading human services organizations meeting the needs of children, youth and families, homeless individuals, and older adults throughout Manhattan and New York City. We work every day for a fair and just society where all people have the opportunity to make choices that lead to better lives for themselves and their families.

Position Summary: Goddard Riverside and the Isaacs Center are seeking a dynamic and motivated External Affairs Director to join our external affairs team. Reporting to the President, the External Affairs Director will be responsible for tracking City, State, and Federal government legislation, budget, and policy, while working closely with the senior leadership team to develop and implement an overall external affairs and media strategy for the organization. The ideal candidate must have a strong understanding of local government systems, excellent verbal and written communication skills, be resourceful, detail-oriented, and work well independently.

Schedule: Schedule varies depending on commitments; Generally Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (nights and weekends will be required)

Salary Range: $90,000 - $103,000

Candidates must have the required qualifications to be considered for the position. The salary offer will be based on the candidate’s number of years experience in the exact or comparable position and additional preferred qualifications will be taken into account.

Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Duties

External Affairs/Government Relations/Communications

• In partnership with the President, develop and maintain partnerships with government offices, elected officials, advocacy groups, and media outlets, in support of our programs, strategic priorities, and goals.
• Regularly track State Legislature and City Council legislation, Committee activity, public hearings, and votes.
• Apply for and regularly track City Council and State Legislative expense and capital budget allocations to the Agency.
• Advise on strategic direction for the agency under the supervision of the President and in partnership with Senior Leadership.
• Write testimony for and attend Government Hearings, and train and support staff and program participants to do so.
• Liaise and partner with external lobbyist.
• Keep Goddard staff apprised of government and political developments.
• Support Goddard programs and staff in their interactions with government and the community
• Develop press materials for media, as needed, in partnership with Communications staff.
• Engage staff, program participants, and community stakeholders in advocacy related events.
• Track and support participation at Community Board Meetings and Community Events, in partnership with Community Engagement staff.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Master’s degree candidate in Political Science, Social Work, or other related field preferred
• 4 years of experience with state and local government, policy work or public affairs

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of and experience with City and State legislative and budget processes.
• Interest in and ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with government partners.
• Excellent outreach, engagement, and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment and enthusiasm for internal and external team building.
• Commitment to and passion for furthering the work of community-based organizations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with exceptional attention to organization.
• Must be collaborative and able to help find the best solution or direction in diverse situations.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Bilingual candidate preferred.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• Ability to travel to locally and to Albany to attend in-person community meetings, rallies, city council meetings, legislative hearings or other public events

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace community grounded in respect for differences. We support hiring a broadly diverse team of qualified individuals who will contribute to our organizations.

Goddard Riverside and Isaacs Center provide equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be requested to perform job related task other than those specifically presented in this description. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Salary : $90,000 - $103,000