Director Intergov & Legislative Affairs

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city’s Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and contemporary inequities to cultivate a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.

Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission aims to root out discrimination. The Commission proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation. The Commission also uses investigations, litigation, and other enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination.

CCHR is seeking a qualified candidate to serve as the Director, Intergovernmental & Legislative Affairs. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Policy and External Affairs, and in coordination with other units, the successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of CCHR’s Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs. This includes management of CCHR’s legislative portfolio.

The Specific Roles And Responsibilities Of This Position Include

• Manage the Department’s Legislative Portfolio. Review proposed legislation and assess for potential impact, and coordinate departmental positions on legislation.
• Helping lead and represent the agency in intergovernmental efforts across multi-agency, cross-sector steering committees and other initiatives;
• Monitoring, reviewing, and tracking City, State and Federal legislation and policy developments for issues as well as opportunities related to antidiscrimination law;
• Drafting testimony, Q&A, Fiscal Impact Statements, and briefing materials to be presented by staff at City hearings;
• Preparing briefing materials for staff in advance of any meetings with elected officials, advocates, or other stakeholders;
• Work with City Legislative Affairs, the Law Department, and other government stakeholders on legislative drafting, and rulemaking.
• Coordinate comments on city, state, and federal proposed rules and regulations that impact the NYCHRL or NYCCHR.
• Respond to inquiries and communications regarding legislation and rules.
• Conduct research and outreach on legislation and hearing topics related to the agency’s mandate, compile information
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with local, state, and federal elected offices and government agencies.
• Contribute to development and communication of Department’s intergovernmental and legislative priorities and ensure that public facing materials reflect developments at the city, state and federal levels.
• Coordinate with Chief of Staff, Deputy Commissioner of Administrative Services, and other members of agency leadership as needed to ensure timely responses to intergovernmental inquires regarding agency activities and budget.

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

Preferred Skills

• At least four years of experience in legislative affairs, public policy, or intergovernmental relations. – Strong understanding of the NYC legislative processes and familiarity with the Human Rights Law. – Demonstrated Commitment to equity, civil rights, and human rights, and familiarity with antidiscrimination laws – Experience working on legislation and policy to advance racial justice, and demonstrated commitment to rights of immigrant communities lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender communities people with disabilities people living with HIV/AIDS and people with criminal convictions and to challenging all forms of discrimination. – Excellent written and verbal communication skills – Strong analytical skills to interpret legislative documents and draft policy recommendations. – Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a diverse environment – Experience collaborating with non-profits, advocacy groups, and government agencies. – Proficiency in using digital tools and platforms for research and communication. – Excellent attention to detail and highly organized individual – Demonstrated commitment to public service and strong work ethic. – Fluency in a language other than English, preferably one common in New York City.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.