Duties Description Reporting to the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and operating within the External Affairs Business Unit, the Downstate Intergovernmental and Community Affairs Liaison will serve as the agency’s primary point of contact to downstate elected officials and local community organizations. The ideal candidate has experience working with diverse sets of external stakeholders, is proactive, detail-oriented, and eager to grow in a dynamic public sector environment. This individual will work to advance OGS’s mission across the state, with a particular emphasis in the downstate region, and will represent OGS with professionalism and sound judgment in external-facing settings.
The Downstate Intergovernmental & Community Affairs Liaison serves as a vital bridge between our agency and the downstate community. We are looking for someone who can work independently and thrives on connection and public engagement.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Build and sustain positive working relationships with the State Legislature, local governments, advocates, community groups, and other external partners.
- Complete assignments related to projects that have an impact on OGS operations in the downstate region, liaising with all appropriate operational units across OGS to gather background.
- Work with the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to identify opportunities and coordinate participation in public-facing events, including researching and vetting opportunities, coordinating briefing memos, aligning messaging, staffing events, and facilitating follow-up work.
- Represent the agency through attendance at community outreach events, meetings with elected officials, public hearings, and other meetings of interest, and provide timely, thorough summary reports.
- Prepare detailed briefing materials for agency leadership appearances at legislative meetings, legislative hearings, panel discussions, and other public meetings.
- Respond to elected official inquiries and requests after conferring with individual business units and the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs.
- Track and analyze the status and development of legislation and regulations impacting OGS operations.
- Manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously, demonstrating strong organizational skills, judgment, and consistent follow-through.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Operating Needs:
- This position requires routine evening and weekend work.
- Travel may be required (approximately 30%), including evenings and weekends, to represent the agency at events and regional initiatives as needed.
- Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.
About OGS
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for New York State government operations, including Executive Agencies, State Legislature, Judiciary, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. Learn more about our agency at https://ogs.ny.gov/about-us and read our strategic plan at https://ogs.ny.gov/strategic-plan.
Minimum Qualifications Seven (7) years of related experience* which includes experience working with government agencies and legislative bodies in Albany, New York City, New York State.
Candidate must also demonstrate:
- An understanding of the state legislative process as well as downstate local government operations, including Long Island, Westchester, Rockland, the lower to mid-Hudson Valley, and New York City.
- Proven ability to work independently and manage projects.
- Exceptional communication skills, including strong writing skills that reflect attention to detail. Writing sample required.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience building and maintaining relationships across diverse groups.
- Ability to convey complex information in a way understood by the general public.
- Driver’s license preferred.
- Education Substitutions for specialized experience:
- Associate degree – Two (2) years
- Bachelor’s degree – Four (4) years
- Master’s or JD degree – Five (5) years
NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.
Additional Comments The Office of General Services (OGS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants from all communities to apply.
For a full version of OGS’s EEO/AA statement and benefits joining Team #OneOGS, please visit http://www.ogs.ny.gov/employment.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
