Director Government Affairs - New York

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs, the Senior Director of Government Affairs will help establish and implement the strategic plan to achieve the organization’s advocacy and other goals. Working with the Vice President, the Director will be responsible for ensuring that the organization’s mission and priorities are known by legislators, agency officials and other government stakeholders. The Director will provide critical support to the Vice President as they work to identify and create opportunities for effective advocacy on matters of legislative and regulatory consequence.

Salary: $100,000 - $120,000

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

GENERAL

The Director of Government Affairs will provide strategic advice and essential support to the Vice President of Government Affairs in developing and implementing an effective government and public affairs campaign.

• Advise on known and potential policy or regulatory activities.
• Research and track key pieces of legislation and deadlines that may impact URI’s mission and vision.
• Develop policy recommendations in collaboration with Programs and Vice President.
• Monitor media coverage and remain apprised of sector-specific or -adjacent developments.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant industry, community and other stakeholders.
• Prepare for and attend hearings, meetings and other industry-specific or community-based events.
• Provide oversight of overall discretionary funding requests.
• Responsible for Government Affairs compliance with relevant city, state and federal lobbying and ethics rules.

CULTIVATING RELATIONSHIPS

• Develop and manage relationships with community leaders and elected officials at the federal, state and local level.
• Lead collaborations and partnerships with advocates to advance URI’s interests and mission.
• Represent URI at meetings and participate in conferences, coalitions or work groups as needed.
• Provide management to consultants alongside the Vice President.

ADVOCACY

• In partnership with the Vice President, develop and implement coordinated advocacy plan designed to advance the organization’s mission and goals.
• Meet with city, state and federal elected and agency officials related to policy, legislative and/or regulatory affairs.
• Determine when URI’s presence at a particular event is warranted. Prepare and present testimony before city, state and federal bodies on issues of significance for the organization.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSES

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in a related field preferred.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Passion for or interest in URI’s mission, vision and core values with the ability to communicate that passion to others.
• 8-10 years of experience in advocacy, public policy or government required, preferably within the social/human services sector, and ideally with expertise in health and family policy.
• Experience in housing and homelessness, land use or advocacy on behalf of vulnerable populations a plus, as is previous external affairs/communications experience.
• Experience and understanding of federal, state and local public policy, legislative and budgetary processes.
• Ability to build relationships with key leaders in federal, state and local, executive, legislative and administrative offices, and demonstrated success advocating in these areas.

BUSINESS ACUMEN

• Ability to provide strategic insight and advice.
• Ability to assimilate and distil large amounts of information and help navigate the complex social and political landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire respect and trust, while exhibiting good judgment and discretion when necessary, along with a willingness to listen and learn.
• Ability to assemble and lead effective coalitions and to maximize opportunities for positive exposure for the organization.

COMMUNICATION

• Strong writer with attention to detail and the ability to identify and build effective arguments tailored to influence diverse audiences.
• A natural communicator who approaches the position with enthusiasm, empathy and intellectual curiosity.
• Comfortable presenting ideas before large groups and in public forums.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively and effectively with individuals and organizations with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
• Commitment to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, collaboration, transparency and accountability.
• Strong intellectual capacity and curiosity as well as the ability to contribute to decision making beyond functional responsibility.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and competing priorities, adapt to change and manage ambiguity in a fluid high-growth organization.
• Ability to see the relationship and implications of immediate actions, short-term choices on long-term strategies, and results on an organization.
• Displays diplomacy, seeks compromise, works through competing interests, and anticipates challenges and problem-solving solutions.
• Strong commitment to equity and social justice including a focus on self-awareness and engagement of continuous learning around issues of diversity equity and inclusion.
• A high level of Emotional Intelligence (EQ).
• Highest level of integrity and ethics.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Works in an office environment that is well-lighted and well-ventilated.
• May require prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• May require occasional work outside established working hours.
• Will require travel by car, train and/or airplane.

PLEASE SUBMIT A COVER LETTER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS ROLE

At URI we are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We actively seek a diverse candidate pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds and abilities to apply. At URI we offer equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state and local law.

Education

• Bachelors or better

• Masters or better