Director, Government Relations

Center for Justice Innovation•New York, NY

1d•$145,000 - $166,900•Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges; Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond. Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide. The Center is seeking an experienced Director of Government Relations to report to the Chief External Affairs Officer. The candidate will have an established track record of building relationships inside and outside government and developing ideas into action; experience identifying opportunities, constructing, and implementing organizing and policy engagement strategies; and a deep commitment to the Center’s core values is a must.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of significant government or government-adjacent experience in the legislative or executive branch or commensurate experience, including programmatic leadership that worked in partnership with government officials and agencies required
Has established relationships in New York City Council and/or New York State legislature, as well as policy and grassroots partners
Has a track record of guiding projects from strategic creation to effective implementation
Experience identifying opportunities, constructing, and implementing policy engagement strategies
Excellent written skills are a must
Candidate must be skilled communicator able to work in multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred

Responsibilities

Lead Center-wide government engagement strategy, ensuring deep connections to key elected and government officials for dozens of community-based projects and the Center as a whole
In partnership with the Chief External Affairs Officer, craft and implement engagement strategy for New York City, New York State, and federal government partnerships
Serve as primary spokesperson and face of the organization in meetings with key elected officials
Provide support to the CEO and Executive Team in their connections with elected officials
In coordination with the Chief External Affairs Officer, craft long-term engagement strategy to ensure deep connections and trusted partnerships with key governmental stakeholders
Work with Chief External Affairs Officer, Senior Director of Communications, and donor-focused development team to implement a coherent, cohesive brand for the Center
In partnership with project directors, research, identify and plan events and site visits for key stakeholders and seek out opportunities to promote Center visibility
Represent the Center with elected officials, committees, and other key stakeholders
Connect Executive Team and project leaders to key government stakeholders to ensure deep, shared relationships
Connect Center policy and practice experts with key government stakeholders during strategic phases of the policy development process
Cultivate relationships with local, state, and federal electeds and assess funding and program expansion opportunities
Opportunity-spot and build win-win partnerships with government partners and organizational allies
Set strategy for Center-wide annual grant engagement with NYC City Council, NYS State legislature, and federal government
Develop relationships with newly elected officials and explore new channels of support
Supervise Manager of Government Relations on issues affecting government funding outreach, strategy, and execution
Direct and coordinate assessments across projects to identify gaps in funding and set plans to fill gaps, where appropriate
Supervise external consultants to assist with advocacy and legislative outreach, when needed
Ensure clear, consistent, and well-supported messaging for all government communications
Partner with the Center’s External Affairs teams to create content aimed at advancing Center engagement priorities
In partnership with Communications team, oversee creation of communications materials for funders and external partners
Additional tasks as necessary