Director, Government Relations

DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

This position plays a critical role for the Building Congress, helping to develop its positions on legislation and policies impacting the building industry at the city, state and federal levels of decision-making, and supporting the membership of the Building Congress on projects, programs and initiatives for which government has a measure of oversight.

The director serves as the organization's liaison to elected officials at the City, State and Federal levels, government agencies and policy organizations.  In addition, they will track and shape policies within, but not limited to, the following areas : economic development and infrastructure investments, design, and construction, planning and zoning, resiliency and sustainability, climate change and disaster preparedness, healthcare and life sciences, residential and commercial construction, and technology and innovation.

The director collaborates with members of the Public Affairs team in developing and executing strategies related to the overall public affairs, programs and initiatives that help the Building Congress and its members influence decision-making and brand the organization as a leader in matters of design and construction and the entire built environment. This position sits on the Public Affairs team, reporting to the Senior Director, Public Affairs. The position oversees a Government Relations fellow.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, in collaboration with the Public Affairs team, the organization’s overall policy agenda and advocacy strategy at the federal, state and city levels.  Promote the agenda through effective communication, advocacy, and programming for the Building Congress, ensuring the portfolio advances the mission of the organization and its members.
• Advise the President / CEO, EVP and Public Affairs team on priorities and policy matters that arise and make recommendations for Building Congress policy positions.
• Develop and oversee strategies for interactions and relationships at the city, state and federal level, including, but not limited to the New York State Governor’s Office and State agencies, the New York State Legislature, the New York City Mayor’s Office and City agencies and the New York City Council.  These relationships should be made to advance legislation or initiatives in the New York Metropolitan area that benefit the organizations members. These may include, but not be limited to, Amtrak, DOC, DOE, DOL, DOT, EPA, HUD, FAA and FEMA, among others.
• Identify and execute new opportunities for the Building Congress and its members to interact with elected officials and government agencies, to support their policy objectives and expand business opportunities.
• Monitor, research, analyze and track key legislation and policy trends at the federal, state, and local level for legislative initiatives affecting the programs and services of the Building Congress and the diverse membership.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and reporting requirements in conjunction with an external compliance firm.
• Identify and execute new opportunities for the Building Congress and its members to interact with elected officials and government agencies and key staff and experts inside and outside of government to support their policy objectives and expand business opportunities and maintain existing relationships.
• Serve as a point person for several ad-hoc advocacy coalitions and working groups.
• Represent the organization externally, as necessary, at events, hearings, and meetings including attending project announcements, fundraisers for elected officials and other conferences.
• Travel to Albany and Washington, D.C. as required by legislative and other advocacy needs.
• Working with the PA team, serves as a point person for all delegation trips to Albany and Washington
• In support of the Building Congress and its members, manage, draft and deliver public testimony, briefing papers, letters, and other official correspondence to elected officials, government agencies, rulemaking bodies and boards; organize or participate in coalitions and working groups with industry partners as well as develop strategies to progress an outcome that is beneficial to the Building Congress and / or the industry. This includes reviewing any statement or quotes made on a government project, appointments, or announcement and reviewing any testimony provided to any boards, committees, or councils.
• Support all major reports with legislative and public policy recommendations to advance the Building Congress’ thought leadership and position the organization as the premier representative of building industry issues.
• Brief Building Congress staff and membership on advocacy efforts on a regular basis, including weekly updates for the President & CEO on policy matters while the state legislature is in session.
• Maintain mailing lists for all public and elected officials and all levels of government.
• Create and conduct surveys of NYBC members for internal and public use.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations and industry groups.

Political Action Committee (PAC)

General

Competitive benefits package : medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, 401K, transit

Hybrid work schedule