Manager, Government Affairs

NYC Tourism + Conventions•New York, NY

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

New York City Tourism + Conventions is seeking an experienced Manager, Government Affairs to join its Legal and External Affairs Group. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, the Manager leads the day-to-day execution of the organization’s government affairs function and manages relationships with government agencies, elected officials and their staff, community and economic development organizations, trade associations, and other industry stakeholders. The role oversees legislative and policy monitoring, stakeholder engagement, advocacy coordination, Government Affairs Committee administration, and external consultant management. The Manager independently manages assigned initiatives, provides strategic recommendations, and keeps the COO informed about political, legislative, and administrative developments, risks, and opportunities that may affect the organization, its members, and the tourism industry. The role advocates for the value of NYC Tourism and its contribution to the City’s economy, develops stakeholder communications and departmental strategy materials, researches governmental issues, and prepares policy memos and recommended courses of action. It serves as a point of contact for government and community inquiries, facilitates relationships and introductions, supports the COO and organizational stakeholders, and coordinates lobbyists and outside consultants. The Manager also administers the Government Affairs Committee, contributes to special projects and strategic communications, and supports NYC Tourism Foundation borough grant programs and responsible use of City-owned Out of Home media. This position is hybrid and requires a minimum of three days in the office each week: Tuesday and Wednesday, plus one flexible day. Fridays are remote. The role is not eligible for fully remote work or relocation assistance, and is not eligible for incentive, bonus, or commission-based compensation. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.
At least 5–7 years of experience in government relations and community affairs.
Deep knowledge and understanding of New York City government.
Solid history of intergovernmental work focused on external stakeholders in a public affairs capacity.
A network of New York City contacts and relationships.
Persuasive, concise verbal and written communication skills.
Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.
Ability to provide outstanding customer service.
Ability to work independently while coordinating appropriately with internal departments.
Strong writing skills and presentation development skills.
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and collaborative approach.
Excellent judgment and discretion, with strong attention to detail.
Excellent quantitative, information-gathering, and fact-finding skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and ability to navigate public databases and search engines.
Authorization to work for any employer in the United States; the employer is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Nice To Haves

Background in politics, tourism, or marketing industries.

Responsibilities

Advocate for the value and importance of NYC Tourism to the City’s economy and within New York City.
Plan stakeholder communications and engagement strategies, build goodwill, and advance the organization’s goals across all five boroughs.
Develop strategic planning documents, departmental briefing memos, presentations, talking points, agendas, summaries, and follow-up materials.
Monitor administration policies, outlook, and staffing, and keep the team informed of relevant developments.
Monitor local legislation and policy developments affecting the organization and tourism industry, and coordinate the organization’s awareness and response.
Research governmental issues, legislative agendas, and bills; prepare policy memos and suggested courses of action.
Liaise with government agencies and appointed or elected officials, including City Hall’s intergovernmental team and city agencies, as needed.
Serve as a contact for inquiries from elected officials, City agencies, community members, and other stakeholders; vet requests and route them to the appropriate department or team member.
Proactively engage government and external stakeholders, explain NYC Tourism activities, address questions and concerns, and help identify solutions that support the organization’s mission and public investment in destination marketing.
Identify and cultivate relationships with government, political, civic, academic, community, and economic development organizations and groups; maintain awareness of key stakeholders, partners, elected officials, and industry contacts.
Guide the COO and staff on relevant government personnel, appointments, and organizational structures, and facilitate introductions that advance organizational priorities.
Support the COO and assist with governmental outreach and relations involving the Board of Directors, membership, Business Improvement Districts, borough groups, economic development organizations, and Chambers of Commerce.
Guide interactions with BIDs and Chambers in support of membership needs and advocacy efforts, and attend stakeholder and community meetings as directed.
Run daily Government Affairs department operations under the oversight of the COO and execute defined plans.
Provide subject-matter expertise on City officials, the administration, and elected individuals; advise internal teams as appropriate.
Oversee external vendors and consultants, manage consultant performance and workflows, and keep the manager informed.
Coordinate and manage lobbyist firms and lobbying efforts within approved boundaries; suggest strategies and escalate issues affecting people, policies, or budgets.
Manage the Government Affairs Committee, including agendas, invitations, action items, and presentations.
Lead or assist with assigned special projects and provide general support for COO and General Counsel initiatives.
Advise internal departments on content, programs, and initiatives as they relate to government stakeholders; coordinate approved external communications with the Communications team as needed.
Conduct research and gather information to brief the organization and prepare it for stakeholder meetings.
Assist with NYC Tourism Foundation borough grant programs, including supporting staff and making recommendations on eligibility, strategy, and program changes related to government affairs.
Guide the use and restrictions of City-owned Out of Home media.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package.
Hybrid schedule: minimum of three in-office days per week, with Fridays remote.
Paid time off (PTO); number of days not specified.
Up to 12 paid company holidays, subject to annual company allotment, plus an extended Winter Break.
One front-loaded floating holiday per year.
Premium medical, dental, and vision plans, plus HRA and DCA.
Retirement savings plan.
Professional development opportunities.
Quarterly cell phone credit to subsidize the employee’s plan.
Monthly transit/commuter allowance.