Deputy Commissioner of Intergovernmental Affairs

Duties Description

The individual serving in this position will report to the Chief of Staff and be a part of DEC’s Executive Team. The Deputy Commissioner of Intergovernmental Affairs will oversee the Office of State Legislative Affairs, the Office of Federal Affairs, Office of Indian Nation Affairs, Department Constituent Relations, Stakeholder Management, and other critical functions as set forth by the Commissioner. The incumbent will regularly engage with the Governor’s Washington, D.C. Office, the Executive Chamber and elected officials.

The individual serving in this position will report to the Chief of Staff and be a part of DEC’s Executive Team. The Deputy Commissioner of Intergovernmental Affairs will oversee the Office of State Legislative Affairs, the Office of Federal Affairs, Office of Indian Nation Affairs, Department Constituent Relations, Stakeholder Management, and other critical functions as set forth by the Commissioner. The incumbent will regularly engage with the Governor’s Washington, D.C. Office, the Executive Chamber and elected officials.

• Coordinate with New York State’s Washington, D.C. Office, and Congressional Delegation to monitor federal legislative developments, develop State positions on issues in partnership with other agencies, and provide strategic direction to advance the State’s goals and objectives.
• Brief the Commissioner and Executive Staff on federal environmental legislation, policy implementation, issues of concern to the Congressional Delegation, and federal funding opportunities.
• Serve as the agency point of contact for Members of Congress and their staff, drafting correspondence, organizing briefings and meetings in Washington and Congressional Districts, providing access to information and constituent assistance, and developing appropriation requests.
• Coordinate and prepare annual policy documents on major federal environmental legislation by soliciting content from DEC Divisions, Regions, and Offices and working with New York’s Washington, D.C. Office on specific items for inclusion in the Governor’s annual Congressional agenda.
• Coordinate the drafting of Congressional legislation, appropriation, and report language with key DEC staff and the Office of General Counsel, and work with the Congressional Delegation to secure inclusion in legislation.
• Organize development and submittal of testimony for, and coordinate appropriate DEC participation in, Congressional hearings.
• Engage coalitions, advocates, and key stakeholders in support of New York State and/or DEC federal legislative priorities.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for coordination and scheduling purposes with federal agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Interior, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the other federal agencies that provide support and funding for DEC programs.
• Track federal regulation and projects where DEC serves as a state sponsor and provide regular reports. Work with the White House Council on Environmental Quality and federal agencies on projects aligned with New York State’s environmental priorities.
• Track and monitor intra- and interstate commissions and working groups, including the Great Lakes Commission, Environmental Council of the States, U.S. Climate Alliance, Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, among others.
• Track coordination with interstate/international organizations and serve as point of contact for organizing briefings or meetings on DEC federal priorities.
• Oversee the Office of Indian Nation Affairs and work to advance the agency’s relationships with Indian Nation Leadership with all State and Federally recognized Indigenous Nations.

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position. Travel may be required. Overtime may be required. Weekends and holidays may be required. Must…