Senior Vice President, ​Government & Community Relations

POSITION OVERVIEW: 

The Senior Vice President (SVP), Government and Community Relations leads short- and long-term government & community affairs initiatives across the full spectrum of NYCEDC’s activities; and serve as a chief strategist to the President’s Office on Government and Community Relations. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Set operational standards, goals, and strategic initiatives for the Government & Community Relations department 
• Supervise staff to develop, coordinate, and implement political and community-sensitive development strategies designed to facilitate the successful completion of NYCEDC initiatives 
• Develop strategies to influence recognition and build a broader profile and reputation for the company 
• Build and enhance external relationships with a variety of stakeholders and elected officials and staff 
• Collaborate with the various business units within NYCEDC to develop and implement short-term and long-term strategies, including securing any necessary public approvals for projects 
• Coordinate the goals and priorities of individual business units within NYCEDC to ensure NYCEDC is consistent in its communications with governmental and non-governmental entities alike 
• Manage external engagement resources as needed on high level NYCEDC projects to ensure goals are met  
• Participate in fostering an integrated communications/ event and project planning approach within the External Affairs division 
• Manage and coach employees; ensure all employees are oriented to their position and provided with appropriate training, development, and continuing education. Monitor performance and provide coaching & feedback on an ongoing basis 
• Prepare concise, accurate project briefs for budget meetings 
• Facilitate strong inter-agency communication 
• Ensure that NYCEDC projects and priorities reflect and complement the priorities of the Office of the Mayor, particularly adjusting project positioning to reflect administration shifts 
• Enhance NYCEDC’s image and reputation through effective community outreach 
• Collaborate with NYCEDC Public Affairs and NYCEDC Office of the President to assist in the preparation of senior staff for community events, City Council hearings, and other presentations as required 
• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in a related field such as communications, journalism, political science or marketing 
• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience, including political campaign, journalism, government affairs or public relations 
• Demonstrated competencies in analytical, planning, and problem-solving skills, negotiation, writing, public speaking, team building and staff development, judgment and decision-making 
• Proven ability to lead, interact with and coordinate consistent messaging and relationships across diverse and multidisciplinary internal departments, other city agencies and/or external partners 
• Experience managing direct reports, colleagues and/or consultants as assigned, short or long term as needed 
• Demonstrated presentation skills, including experience engaging effectively with diverse constituencies, including community and government leaders, and other stakeholders 
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communications strategies 
• Experience leveraging subject matter research and internal/external relationships to support project work and other campaigns 
• Extensive experience with New York City land use and public approval processes is critical, as is experience with New York City and New York State legislative and budget processes 
• Strategic and analytical thinker, capable of seeing and understanding broad and differing perspectives as well as the implications of the big picture 
• Experience managing and coaching staff 
• Experience building coalitions among groups with diverse interests 
• Ability to anticipate problems and devise creative solutions 
• Comfort interacting with senior management, mayoral officials, and business leaders 
• Strong written and verbal communications skills 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 
• New York City residence is required within 180 days of hire