Special Assistant

Special Assistant

The Special Assistant will function as the Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs and serve as a principal advisor to the Senior Deputy Commissioner and Counsel on legislative and intergovernmental matters. This role is primarily responsible for the agency's legislative and intergovernmental affairs functions, including but not limited to: technical assistance with the development, advancement, and implementation of law, regulation, and policy priorities set forth by the agency, in conjunction with agency executive and program area staff;

identifying, tracking, and coordinating agency staff analysis of legislative bills affecting the agency, as well as communicating with legislators and legislative staff on such bills; communication and relationship management with state legislators and staff, and other government partners; and provide expert advice and analysis necessary to further successful adoption or implementation of agency law and policy initiatives and program area goals.

Specifically, this position is charged with engaging agency program area staff, consulting agency executives, and building broad support for the agency's legislative and administrative efforts to improve the criminal justice system. Specific duties would include but not be limited to tracking of legislation, analysis and implementation of statutory requirements, and providing support and guidance for various statutory boards and commissions supported by the agency (e.g., Security Guard Advisory Council).

The Director of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs shall undertake duties outlined below and additional duties as requested.

• Review and advise Senior Deputy Commissioner, General Counsel, and agency executive staff on federal, state, and local legislative and intergovernmental developments (e.g., legislative bills and policy proposals) that may impact the agency mission or operations

• Coordinate with agency executive and program area staff to help identify and advance priorities on the state and local government agendas, as well as assist in implementation of those priorities upon enactment or adoption

• Draft, review, and edit memoranda, briefs, reports, presentations, testimonies, and other work products as requested, incorporating feedback from internal and external sources, as well as independent research and analysis on topics within the criminal justice system

• Advise and assist, as needed, with public information and outreach to effectively communicate administration and agency priorities, achievements, and impact

• Serve as the initial point of contact for all non-press, governmental inquiries directed to the agency

• Engage internal and external stakeholders on criminal justice policy priorities

• Represent the agency at various meetings, events, and conferences, as needed

• Travel throughout New York State as requested

A bachelor's degree and seven (7) or more years' combined experience performing any of the following functions:

• Tracking and interpreting legislation and policies

• Advocating for legislative and policy initiatives

• Advocating for specific interpretations of legislation and policies

• Acting as a liaison between various intergovernmental entities

• Providing advice, analysis or support related to legislation, laws, regulations, or policies

Substitutions: a J.D or master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience;
Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Approximately 10% of travel is required. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. DCJS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. Please be advised that the Division of Criminal Justice Services does not currently offer sponsorship for employment Visas. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:
The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Unit  or .