Government Affairs Associate

Do you believe everyone should have a say in policy decisions impacting or influencing their profession? We do. We at The NYSSCPA advocate issues of importance to the accounting profession.

We are currently seeking an experienced candidate with a strong background in government relations and a focus on fundraising to join our Government Relations team.

State government affairs have never been as challenging as they are now. The ideal candidate will monitor how government plans will affect businesses and promote the interests of CPAs and be responsible for advocating on behalf of the association’s legislative and regulatory agenda. The ideal candidate will bring his/her connections and expertise with state and local issues to the table for our members. Help us carry out our vision of establishing a key role in the political arena protecting our profession.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement innovative and creative communications programs designed to position the advocacy initiatives of the Society and the profession.
• Develop and execute strategies for legislative media exposure working in conjunction with the General Counsel and the Media Relations Manager, including drafting talking points, op-eds and coordinating Political Action Committee (PAC), and developing PAC and Government Affairs marketing and communications materials.
• Schedule speakers and promote chapter fundraising events that support the PAC. Maintain PAC merchandise and inventory.
• Plan and attend fundraising events. Assist in planning of Annual Governance Forum.
• Draft and revise all agendas and minutes for PAC and Legislative Task Force (LTF) meetings.
• Coordinate with contract lobbyists. Ensure compliance with all lobbying reporting requirements and file all lobbying reports.
• Develop and schedule lobby days for member participation with legislators in Albany.
• Create and evaluate strategies to improve the effectiveness of print-based and online advocacy communications campaigns.
• Develop interactive features, such as polls, to gauge opinion on site features and current issues affecting the profession.
• Produce and disseminate the quarterly Alert e-newsletters.
• Provide staff support to one or more Society committees. Staff support includes facilitating the creation of timely meeting agendas by committee chairs, attending meetings and taking minutes, writing articles for Society publications regarding newsworthy matters of interest discussed at committee meetings, and additional support as needed.
• Help develop the NYSSCPA legislative agenda in conjunction with leadership.
• Stay informed on issues in other states and with the AICPA that might have implications for NY’s legislative agenda.
• Maintain relationship with the state board, Regents, SED as appropriate.
• Actively monitor the legislative environment for issues that might impact the profession in NY.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong writing skills are essential, as this position requires communication to a variety of audiences.
• Strong legislative research skills required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Economics, Communications or other related areas.
• 3-5 years experience with at least 2 or more years of related work experience with the New York State’s Government, preferred.
• PAC experience preferred.
• Association experience preferred.
• Ability to think strategically and respond quickly to developing issues that require a response on behalf of the organization.
• Ability to set priorities and work under tight deadlines while exercising flexibility, initiative and self-motivation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to meet strict deadlines.

When applying for this position, please send cover letter and resume and include “Government Affairs Associate” in the subject line. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. No telephone calls or agencies.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $70,000.00 /year

Required education:

• Bachelor’s

Required experience:

• related work: 3 years