Government Relations Liaison (Law School)

To apply, please reach out to Hera Javaid, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at hera.javaid@law.cuny.edu with a resume and cover letter.

The City University of New York (CUNY) School of Law is a national leader in progressive legal education with a dual mission of training a diverse group of students to become excellent public interest attorneys and providing access to the profession for members of historically underrepresented communities. As part of its mission, the Law School prepares students to practice "Law in the Service of Human Needs," and to transform the practice of law and legal education to make it more inclusive and just. We are the most diverse law school on the East Coast and the top-ranked law school in the country for clinical legal education.

The Office of Institutional Advancement is seeking a Government Relations Liaison to oversee the Law School’s governmental relations and external affairs initiatives. Under the direction of the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, the Liaison will be responsible for both maintaining and developing communication and relationships with elected officials at the state and city levels, and serving as an advocate and principal liaison for the Law School in monitoring the political landscape for funding opportunities and legislation that may impact the Law School and its mission.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and initiate strategies for managing local, state, and federal government relations and advocacy efforts on behalf of the Law School.
• Develop and implement an advocacy plan to engage with government officials – in particular, New York State lawmakers and New York City Council members – to advocate for financial and other forms of institutional support for the CUNY School of Law.
• Develops and manages grant proposals, writing and editing proposals, including budgets and related materials.
• Research and identify grant opportunities, which support College programs and initiatives; matches goals and priorities with grants.
• Develop strong working relationships with local community boards, civic groups, and other external constituents and stakeholders in a strategic outreach effort to build new relationships and leverage existing ones to enhance the law school’s profile within the community.
• Act as the primary liaison for school legislative affairs, which includes monitoring, summarizing and conveying issues that could affect the CUNY Law School.
• In consultation with the faculty and staff, assess all current and potential engagement with government agencies including funding for the Law School and its initiatives.
• Manage Lobbying schedule. Prepare, calculate and submit monthly CUNY Lobbying reports for law school lobbyists and bi-annual (or as needed) NY State Client Business Relationship Forms.
• Develop a wide range of materials in support of the Law School’s government relations agenda, such as talking points, legislative summaries, factsheets, reports, and letters.
• Attend events and other activities to support the Law School’s government relations goals, such as town halls, news conferences, campus visits, and meetings.
• Plan budget for government relations activities within the Law School’s Advancement budget.
• As time permits, support alumni engagement and fundraising goals by engaging graduates of CUNY School of Law who are employed in the Capital region.
• Performing other related duties as assigned by the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in applicable area of study

Strong oral and written communications skills

Experience engaging elected and appointed local, state, and federal decision makers

Expertise in analyzing public policy, legislation, and state and federal finances affecting higher education

Evidence of effective problem solving in politically challenging circumstances

Working hours may vary and occasional travel as well evening and weekend work may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Masters degree in a relevant field (e.g., public policy, public administration, higher-education policy, etc.)

Experience working in or engaging with New York state and local government

Knowledge of the operation of the City University of New York system or similar public education system

Experience with media relations

Ability to work cooperatively and creatively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

CLOSING DATE

This position is open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY CUNY encourages people with disabilities, minorities, veterans and women to apply. At CUNY, Italian Americans are also included among our protected groups. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against on the basis of any legally protected category, including sexual orientation or gender identity. EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.