Director, Government Affairs

As a leader in advancing New York's energy transition, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is a credible, objective and trusted partner in energy planning and in deploying new innovative technologies to build an affordable, abundant, reliable, and clean energy system. NYSERDA works with stakeholders statewide, including residents, business owners, developers, community leaders, local government officials, universities, utilities, investors, entrepreneurs, and more, to develop, invest, and foster conditions that:

• Attract the private sector capital investment needed to expand New York's clean energy economy.
• Advance solutions for using clean energy at a large-scale in New York.
• Enable New York's communities and residents to benefit equitably in the clean energy transition.

Job Overview

The Director, Government Affairs reports directly to the VP for Policy Implementation & Intergovernmental Affairs. The Director oversees a Government Affairs (GA) team charged with interfacing with the Executive Chamber, the State Legislature, municipal officials, other state and local agencies and authorities and other key stakeholders to advance NYSERDA's Mission Outcomes. This work includes crafting and stewarding a proactive strategy to advance Authority priorities, responding to incoming requests from these entities, informing energy and environmental policy discussions that pertain to NYSERDA, developing responses to enacted legislation, and other engagements as needed.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead NYSERDA engagement with local and state elected officials and staff, including leading development and management of engagement with Legislature and Executive Chamber, support NYSERDA Officers, particularly the CEO, at events, and preparation of background and briefing materials for Senior Executives.
• Coordinate with Vice President, Policy Implementation & Intergovernmental Affairs and Chief of Staff's office to develop approach to annual Budget/Legislative Session, including preparation for the President and CEO and Officers at legislative hearings and committee meetings, and ongoing engagement with Chamber and Legislative branches.
• In close coordination with NYSERDA Officers and Counsel's office, manage Legislative Departmental submissions and responses to all legislative inquiries, as well as inform NYSERDA management of legislative developments throughout the State Legislature Session.
• Prepare and conduct briefings for Executive Team, Officers, and CEO on changes to or opportunities to obtain new critical funding or regulatory actions occurring at federal, state and local levels that would impact the Authority's ability to advance its responsibilities.
• Manage and oversee all relations with local and state elected officials and their staff.
• Oversee constituent services and responses.
• Coordinate with Communications Team, Events Team, Executive Team and program departments to handle and respond to events, press, etc.
• Attend and represent NYSERDA at events as needed, including speaking at events, conferences, and functions, as needed.
• Provide excellent verbal and written products, including ability to craft a compelling business/strategic case for Authority outcomes. Write and edit internal and external communications.
• Serve as an effective coach and leader providing relevant strategic and management guidance to members of the GA Team as well as other departments.
• Maintain a robust knowledge of local, state, and Federal key issues, priorities, agenda, and sensitivities, particularly as it relates to climate, clean energy, and electrification.
• Perform all managerial and supervisory responsibilities with respect, fairness, consistency, and inclusion across the workforce.
• Other duties assigned to support the Authority's mission and outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and 10 years of legislative or relevant experience, including 5 years in supervisory roles
• In depth knowledge and understanding of legislative processes and actions
• In-depth understanding of New York State Government and agencies.
• Genuine passion for advancing sound policy relating to energy and the environment and an interest in developing and supporting a dynamic and talented team.
• Project management and leadership skills including the ability to work as a team leader and team member, maintain project timelines, budgets, and deliver on commitments.
• Highest level of communication and interpersonal skills involving the ability to work cross-functionally to understand requirements, present alternatives and recommendations.
• Self-starter who acts independently, directs one's own work and can handle diverse tasks quickly and accurately within a high-performance environment.
• Exceptional manager, coach, mentor, and developer of talent; an ability to lead and develop a team to achieve their potential, innovate and uncover new possibilities, and deliver impactful and relevant outcomes.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability, resourcefulness, adaptability, and an instinct for surfacing value and pragmatic solutions.
• Top-notch presentation and interpersonal skills that resonate with audiences of diverse backgrounds.
• Relentless work ethic and resolute integrity
• Strong organizational and analytical skills; ability to quickly aggregate and analyze information.
• Willingness to occasionally work long or odd hours, especially during Legislative session.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree and 8 years' experience in legislative and government affairs position including 5 years in supervisory roles.
• Specific experience in energy or environmental policy.

Please submit your resume. Cover letters are welcome but not required. To receive full consideration please apply by 09/14/2026.

Please note that during the application process, you may be prompted to opt-in to Artificial Intelligence ("AI") scoring. This is an automatic request in the ADP system but is not a feature that is used by NYSERDA in its recruiting and hiring process. Your response will have no impact on your application to NYSERDA.

For further information on our hiring policies, employment opportunities for people with disabilities and EEO please click on this link and scroll down to the Policies section.

Salary

The salary range is $163,811 - $206,043 annually. Annual salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. NYSERDA offers an excellent benefits package.