Job Description
The New York State Washington Office of the Governor (WOG) serves as the chief federal policy and legislative liaison for the State of New York. Designed to advance Governor’s federal interests and priorities, WOG staff leverage relationships with the White House, Congressional offices, federal agencies, state groups, and other national policy entities to develop a federal outlook for the Executive Chamber and state agencies. In coordination with senior Chamber and agency staff, the Washington Office identifies federal opportunities and risks to advance the Governor’s priorities. Done through both formal and informal mechanisms, the Washington Offices promotes the Governor’s goals for the state and takes a variety of forms, but generally fall into three buckets of advocacy and policy development:
· Congressional Legislation: The Washington Office aims to provide the Chamber with visibility into the Congressional legislative calendar and priorities. Both the Senate and House of Representatives signal legislative priorities which may affect the State, State budget, or Governor policy priorities. WOG staff work directly with Chamber and agency staff to proactively coordinate with relevant New York Congressional Delegation and committee staff to inform and influence legislative proposals from introduction to final passage. This ensures Congress considers the implementation challenges and opportunities while they are in the legislative process. Additionally, WOG staff manage and respond to requests for specific analysis or other information from delegation and committee staff. WOG staff seek opportunities to promote the best position for the State and identify federal funding needs for the delegation staff, inform Members of Congress and the Federal Executive Branch of the State's positions and otherwise attempt to influence Congressional legislative process and the Federal Executive budget process, on the State's behalf.
· Federal Policy & Administrative Actions: WOG staff monitor developments at federal agencies and the White House that have direct impact on New York. WOG staff coordinate with Deputy Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries to educate senior staff about federal issues that affect or could affect the State. WOG staff coordinate state agency activities in Washington, ensuring the Governor’s messaging and goals for the State are delivered in an impactful way. Of particular interest are Federal developments, including but not limited to the President’s Budget, legislation and regulations, which may directly impact major programs and funding sources the State is undertaking or plans to undertake as part of the Governor's major initiatives.
· States & Other Interest Groups: Situated in the Hall of States, the Washington Office partners with other state offices through both partisan and non-partisan groups (Democratic Governors Association and the National Governors Association). Through these entities, the State is able to develop policy advocacy and positions with national impacts and leverage partnerships with other states to impact legislative or policy changes. The Washington Office works closely with the NGA, which is headquartered in the same building as our office. Through weekly meetings for the directors, and specific policy committee meetings, WOG staff have the opportunity to shape NGA policy and advocacy to further support or advance the Governor’s policy priorities. Through the two in-person meetings for Governors (one in February in DC and one in July/August in a different state). Governors have the opportunity to interact in person, often in Governor-only sessions, to share insights and issues as well as to set policy for the NGA. The Washington Office prepares detailed briefing memos for the Governor in anticipation of the conference.
Duties include but may not be limited to:
· Monitor, analyze and advocate on issue portfolio specific legislation, administrative actions, agency-specific issues and undertake special projects and duties for the director and deputy director as assigned.
· Work with the Director and Deputy Director to develop long-term strategies for the Federal aspects of the Governor’s programs and special projects by issue portfolios and as assigned by the director/deputy director.
· Assist the Director/Deputy in developing strategy and advisement to the Governor and senior staff on matters of Federal policy and in implementing Federal aspects of the Governor’s programs.
· Inform the New York Congressional Delegation and others of the State’s position on matters before Congress.
· Respond to requests for specific analysis or other information from the New York Congressional Delegation.
· Monitor assigned state agency and Chamber staff for developing state programs and issues and federal measures that require attention.
· Develop and maintain liaisons and communications with Washington based interest groups and associations.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree and at least five years of progressively responsible experience with a focus on public administration, public policy, or other similarly related fields. Interest and experience in working in government at the State and/or Federal level is strongly preferred.
Salary range: $100,000 - $125,000 annually