Special Assistant

Description: Under the direction of the Associate Commissioner of Government Affairs, Community Relations and Programming the incumbent will serve as the Director of Government Affairs and be responsible for the agency’s intergovernmental agenda. This Includes But Is Not Limited To Liaising with government officials at the local, state and federal levels; as well as other agencies and stakeholders concerned about addiction services, initiatives, and funding. Develop proposals and agreements for collaboration with other state agencies and constituent groups; Guide agency legislation through the legislative process; Track and analyze legislative, regulatory and policy developments that may affect the NYS OASAS programs, operations, funding or compliance obligations. Working with various stakeholders on SUD and problem gambling program issues; Developing relationships with various groups to grow support of OASAS programs; Assisting with preparation of testimony and briefings for the Commissioner and agency to various federal, state and local legislative bodies; Attend government, legislative, association and community events, meetings, hearings and public forums, or represent the agency at such events as appropriate. Interfacing with the Communications Office on matters of internal and external communication; Perform other related duties as needed. Travel approximately 30%. The position may require working outside of normal working hours and weekends.

Minimum Qualifications: Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in intergovernmental relations, state government Executive and/or Legislative administration, or stakeholder relations. At least three (3) years of experience must have been in a supervisory capacity, or one (1) year of experience must have been at a managerial level. Candidates must be able to demonstrate a broad and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of substance use disorder and problem gambling programs and funding. Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for six years of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for seven years of specialized experience. Additional Comments Routine travel including some overnights is required (approximately 30%), occasionally to areas not served by public transportation. Generous benefits package, which may include: medical, dental and vision coverage; NYS Employees Retirement System (pension); optional Deferred Compensation Program; tuition assistance; generous paid leave benefits; compensation for 13 State holidays per year; access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs; and Flex Spending Accounts. Telecommuting may be discussed as part of the interview process. The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program allows public service employees to have the remaining balance on direct loans forgiven after 120 qualifying payments are made under an accepted repayment plan while working full-time for an eligible employer. New York State is an eligible employer. More information is available at https://oer.ny.gov/public-service-loan-forgiveness.