Government Affairs Senior Manager

Description Job Summary: The Government Affairs Senior Manager represents the interests of AIA New York (“the Chapter”) and its membership on public policy issues affecting the practice of architecture and New York City’s built environment. Working at the intersection of architecture, public policy, and civic life, the Manager helps translate the expertise of New York City’s architecture and design community into policies that support design excellence, strengthen the profession, and contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, resilient, and well-designed city. The Government Affairs Senior Manager monitors emerging policy issues; conducts research and develops policy recommendations; builds and maintains relationships with government officials, agencies, advocacy organizations, and other partners; and engages AIANY members in developing and advancing the Chapter’s policy agenda. The position is supervised by the AIANY Executive Director and works closely with the Board of Directors, Advocacy Committee, relevant member committees, and other AIANY staff. This is a mid-senior position that offers significant opportunity for professional growth and increasing responsibility within AIANY’s advocacy and government affairs work. Duties/Responsibilities:

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and policy developments affecting architecture, planning, development, housing, sustainability, infrastructure, the public realm, and professional practice, and provide timely analysis and updates to Chapter leadership and members.
• Conduct policy research and analysis and work with AIANY members and subject-matter experts to develop policy positions, recommendations, and advocacy priorities.
• Help develop and implement the Chapter’s annual policy agenda and longer-term advocacy strategies.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and other public-sector partners at the city and state levels, while supporting AIANY’s engagement on relevant federal issues.
• Develop policy proposals, legislative and regulatory recommendations, testimony, comment letters, briefing materials, action plans, toolkits, and other advocacy resources in collaboration with the Advocacy Committee and relevant member committees.
• Organize and lead meetings together with the Executive Director with legislative offices and government agencies in support of AIANY’s policy agenda, including lobby days and other opportunities for direct member engagement with policymakers.
• Coordinate and/or deliver testimony at public hearings and represent AIANY at government, coalition, and stakeholder meetings as appropriate.
• Engage AIANY members in the Chapter’s policy agenda, identifying and mobilizing members with relevant expertise to participate in working groups, meetings with policymakers, public testimony, advocacy campaigns, and other initiatives.
• Develop and execute advocacy campaigns that mobilize members around priority issues, including calls to action, lobby days, public-comment opportunities, and other forms of participation.
• Cultivate existing relationships and establish new partnerships with advocacy organizations, professional associations, civic organizations, and other stakeholders; develop and leverage coalitions and collaborations to advance shared policy priorities.
• Keep abreast of policy positions and advocacy initiatives established by AIA National and AIA New York State and liaise with government affairs and policy staff at those organizations to coordinate advocacy efforts where appropriate.
• Plan and execute programs and events focused on the intersection of architectural practice, public policy, and civic affairs.
• Work with member committees and other AIANY staff to identify emerging issues, develop policy initiatives, and advance advocacy campaigns.
• Develop and maintain AIANY website content related to public policy, government affairs, and advocacy, and collaborate with Communications staff on newsletters, action alerts, social media, and other communications related to advocacy priorities.
• Represent AIANY at meetings, public programs, conferences, hearings, and other external events as appropriate.
• Perform other related duties and contribute to special projects in support of AIANY’s advocacy goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, urban planning, public administration, architecture, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
• Approximately 2–4 years of relevant professional experience.
• Working knowledge of New York City and/or New York State government, including legislative, regulatory, and administrative processes, with demonstrated interest and ability to develop deeper expertise.
• Demonstrated ability to research complex policy questions, synthesize technical information, identify policy implications, and communicate findings and recommendations clearly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with policymakers, professionals, organizational leadership, members, and the public.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with government officials, members, subject-matter experts, advocates, and organizational partners.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously, exercise sound judgment, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Intellectual curiosity and an interest in architecture, urban planning, housing, sustainability, infrastructure, design, or the built environment. Prior professional experience in these fields is welcome but not required.
• Comfort working in a member-driven organization and collaborating with volunteer leaders, committees, and subject-matter experts.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning and using database, communications, project-management, and other relevant technology tools.

The Government Affairs Manager will have the opportunity to develop expertise across a broad range of issues affecting architecture and New York City’s built environment and to take on increasing responsibility for policy development, government relationships, advocacy campaigns, coalition building, and public representation. AIANY seeks a candidate who is interested in growing as a policy and government affairs professional while helping shape and advance the organization’s advocacy agenda. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The information in this job description is for compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

• Work to be conducted primarily in office, however some work may be conducted remotely via technology.
• Some lifting (up to 30 lbs.). Long hours on computer keyboard. Prolonged periods of standing and/or walking.

AIANY and the Center for Architecture is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and existing employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship status, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information (including characteristics and testing), military and veteran status, or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.