Manager, Government Affairs

Work Model & Compensation Eligibility:

- This role is not eligible for incentive, bonus, or commission-based compensation.

- This role is not eligible for fully remote work. It requires a hybrid, on-site presence.

- Relocation: This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

ABOUT NYC TOURISM + CONVENTIONS

New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the five boroughs of New York City. Our mission is to invite the world and energize the City, building equitable, sustainable economic prosperity and community through tourism for the mutual benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors.

NYCtourism.com is the official website of New York City, reaching visitors in their trip-planning stages and showcasing everything the City has to offer. The site is also home to key marketing programs including NYC Restaurant Week®, NYC Broadway WeekSM, and more.

POSITION SUMMARY:

New York City Tourism + Conventions (“NYC Tourism”) is seeking an experienced Manager, Government Affairs to join the Legal and External Affairs Group. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel, this position leads the day-to-day execution of NYC Tourism’s government affairs function, managing relationships with government agencies, elected officials and their staff, community and economic development organizations, trade associations, and other industry stakeholders. The Manager oversees legislative and policy monitoring, stakeholder engagement, advocacy coordination, Government Affairs Committee administration, and external consultant management. This role independently manages assigned initiatives, provides strategic recommendations, and keeps the COO informed of emerging political, legislative, and administrative developments, risks, and opportunities that may impact the organization, its members, and the broader tourism industry.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Government Affairs & Advocacy

Advocacy & Industry Representation

- Advocating the value and importance of NYC Tourism to the City's economy and within the City of New York.

Planning & Stakeholder Engagement

- Communication and strategy to a specific set of stakeholders.

- Generate goodwill and advance the Company's goals and objectives in all five boroughs.

- Develop documents that include, but are not limited to, strategic planning and briefing memos for the department.

Legislative & Policy Monitoring

- Stay on top of administration's policies, outlook, staffing and keep team up to date.

- Managing the organization's response and awareness of relevant policy developments and

developments in local legislation affecting the industry.

Research & Analysis

- Keeping staff up to date, educated and informed of governmental affairs.

- Research governmental issues including, but not limited to, legislative agendas and bills for

consideration and as requested.

- Prepare policy memos and suggested courses of action for consideration.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

Government Relations

- Liase with government agencies, appointed and/or elected officials, as needed.

- Subject matter expertise; internal consultant for organizational supporting subject matter.

- Interact with the City Hall intergovernmental team and city agencies on matters that affect the Company and its activities, as requested.

- Serve as a point of contact for inquiries from elected officials, City agencies, members of the community and other stakeholders. Vet requests that are received and ensure the proper department or team member receives and understands the request.

Stakeholder Engagement & Relationship Management

- Proactively outreach to relevant government and external stakeholders to merchandise NYC Tourism's activities relative to them.

- Educate external stakeholders on NYC Tourism activities, field questions/concerns and mediate solutions to fulfill and support the organization’s mission and highlighting the ongoing need for robust public investment in Destination Marketing.

- Assist in identifying and cultivating key external relationships that add value to NYC Tourism, its membership and help NYC Tourism to fulfill its core mission such as government, political, quasi-political, civic, academic, and community organizations and groups.

- Ensuring relationships and managing introductions and relationships. Guiding and informing the COO and staff at large as to individuals that represent the City administration, council and elected positions.

- Maintain awareness of key stakeholders, partners, elected officials, and industry contacts.

- Ensuring the team (especially the COO) is familiar with government related individuals, appointments and structure.

- Facilitating introductions that strengthen relationships and advance organizational priorities.

Executive & Board Relations

- Support COO, as needed.

- Consult and assist in relations with governmental outreach and interaction (such as the Board of Directors, membership, Business Improvement Districts, Borough Groups such as Economic Development Organizations and Chambers).

Business & Community Engagement

- In support of membership needs and advocacy efforts, guide interactions with BIDs and Chambers.

- Attend meetings with stakeholders and the community as directed.

- Suggested interaction and relationship building.

Leadership, Operations & Department Management

- Under the oversight of the Chief Operating Officer, runs daily operations for the Government Affairs department and executes defined plans.

- Provides subject expertise on City officials, administration and elected individuals.

- Oversees, administers or manages external vendor or consultant while keeping manager appraised.

- Guiding and managing external lobbyists and parties in advocacy efforts. Coordinate and manage lobbyist firms and lobbying efforts.

- Executes within approved boundaries. (i.e. if permission is given)

- Ensures alignment; suggests strategy. Decision making ability subject to oversight and input.

- Problem solving skills and determination of situational awareness in governmental relations.

- Escalates items that impact people, policies, or budget.

- Manages consultant performance, project, processes and workflows. Work with outside consultants as needed.

- Manage Government Affairs Committee for NYC Tourism including, but not limited to agendas, invites, action items and presentations.

- Ensures quality and delivery of operational outputs.

- Lead or assist in special projects as appropriate and as assigned.

- General support for initiatives/projects of the COO & General Counsel.

Strategic Communications & Internal Advisement

- As directed, activities may include advising or providing insight to internal departments on the development of content and programs/initiatives across NYC Tourism as they affect and interact with relevant government stakeholders.

- Inform, draft, coordinate and manage external presentations, content and talking points including PowerPoint, materials, summary documentation, agenda planning and follow up.

- Suggests, drafts and implements plans which may be executed subject to approval.

- Team workflow and project execution.

- Responsible for consult, keeping department informed, and project goals.

- If approved, coordinate with the Communications team on corporate communications to various external stakeholders, as needed.

- Performs effective and complete research and collect information to be used in briefing the Company to prepare for meetings with stakeholders.

NYC Tourism Foundation & Organizational Initiatives

- Assisting in the work of the NYC Tourism Foundation programs for borough grants, including work of supporting staff and making recommendations re: eligibility, strategy, and program changes as it relates to governmental relations.

- Assist in the responsible use of City-owned Out of Home media; guiding use and restrictions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

- A./B.S. with at least 5-7 years of experience in government relations and community affairs.

- Deep knowledge and understanding of New York City government is required.

- Solid history of intergovernmental work with a focus on external stakeholders in a public affairs capacity.

- Network of New York City contacts and relationships imperative.

- Background in politics, tourism and marketing industries is a plus.

- Persuasive and concise verbal and written communicator.

- Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines.

- Ability to provide outstanding customer service.

- Ability to work independently yet coordinate appropriately with internal departments.

- Strong writing skills and presentation development.

- Ideal candidate is detail oriented, highly organized and collaborative.

- Extremely good judgment and discretion required; attention to detail a must.

- Excellent quantitative and information-gathering/fact-finding skills.

- Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and navigating public databases and search engines.

New York City Tourism + Conventions offer a competitive benefits package including:

- Hybrid Schedule : Minimum of 3 days in-office (Tues/Wed required + 1 flex day); Fridays remote.

- Generous Time Off : PTO days

- Holidays : Subject to Company allotment each year, up to 12 paid company holidays, plus extended Winter Break.

- Floating Holiday : 1 per year, front-loaded.

- Healthcare : Premium medical, dental, and vision plans, plus HRA and DCA.

- Retirement & Developmen t: Retirement savings plan and professional development opportunities.

- Perks : Quarterly cell phone credit to subsidize your plan and monthly transit/commuter allowance.

Applicants for this position must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

NYC Tourism + Conventions Commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

Here at NYC Tourism + Conventions we are an equal opportunity employer, committed to our diversity and inclusiveness. We provide equal work opportunities for all and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, nationality, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age. We strongly encourage women, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA community, people with disabilities and veterans to apply.

If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process because of a medical condition or disability, please send an email to [email protected] let us know the nature of your request.

If you think you might thrive in this environment, we would love to hear from you!

EOE