Counsel, Federal Affairs
About the Company
The New York State Executive Chamber works to meet the needs of all New Yorkers by advancing the Governor’s policy initiatives and agenda, as well as overseeing government operations. We coordinate with state agencies, federal and local governments, and community stakeholders to address issues and develop strategies to serve the people of New York State. Career opportunities range from policy, legal counsel, legislative affairs, communications, operations, appointments, and more.Working in the Executive Chamber is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of New York and make a significant difference in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. Employees can feel proud of being a part of something bigger and ultimately making changes for the better as part of that work.
About the Job
The Executive Chamber is the Office of the Governor that assists Governor Kathy Hochul in managing State government. The Executive Chamber is seeking a highly motivated and experienced attorney to serve as Special Counsel. The Special Counsel serves under the general supervision of the Counsel to the Governor and Deputy Counsels and will advise state agencies and Chamber stakeholders on a range of legal and compliance issues related to federal funding. This position can sit in Albany, NY or New York, NY.
Responsibilities
Serve as the legal subject matter expert on laws and regulations governing federal funding across a range of State agencies that may receive or administer federal funds
Serve, along with others in Counsel’s Office, as liaison to State agencies on federal funding issues, including federal grant applications and management
Provide strategic counsel to State agencies to proactively identify and mitigate risk and ensure integrity around federal funding and other interactions with the federal government
Advise, guide, and collaborate with agency counsels and the Office of the Attorney General or outside counsel on litigation and pre-litigation strategies
Report, summarize, and present information to the Governor, senior staff, executive, cross-functional teams, and outside stakeholders
Provide strategic legal counseling and subject matter expertise to address the needs of the Executive Chamber and State agencies relating to federal and state legislation, rulemaking, and operations
Provide programmatic legal support to Counsel’s Office staff to ensure accuracy and timely implementation of policies, responses to issues, and programs
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Executive Chamber Assistant and Senior Counsels, the office of Federal Affairs, Deputy Secretaries, Agency General Counsels, outside organizations, experts, advocates, and other institutions
Conduct legal research and draft memoranda as requested
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Counsel or Deputy Counsels
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Must have a Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school, be a member in good standing with the New York State Bar
Minimum of 8 years of relevant and progressively responsible legal work experience
Preferred Qualifications:
Previous experience in a leadership role as an attorney in the federal government
Experience with the federal regulatory process and processes related to federal funding, including applications for funding and administration of federal funding programs
Experience advocating before federal agencies and the Office of Management and Budget, either internally or externally
Experience administering federal funds to subgrantees
Experience with legislative drafting and negotiation
Knowledge of New York state law, legislation, and agencies is preferred
Litigation experience, particularly in sensitive and fast-paced matters related to compliance with federal funding laws and regulations and/or federal contracts
Ability to make excellent judgments, and exercise critical, analytical, and problem-solving skills under pressure and at times with extreme time sensitivity
Ability to compile, evaluate and interpret information and data from a variety of information sources
Ability to independently discern priority projects
Ability to prioritize and complete work assignments in a timely manner
Ability to identify the most effective and efficient method to carry out duties
Excellent organizational skills to manage a varied and high-volume workload
Excellent written and oral communication skills with an attention to detail are required, including the ability to communicate complex information to a lay audience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to interact with colleagues and senior leadership inside and outside the Executive Chamber
Excellent record management skills with the ability to follow-up as necessary
Excellent familiarity with Microsoft software products including Word, Excel, OneDrive, SharePoint, Power Point, Outlook/Exchange, Gmail, and GoogleDocs
Strong proficiency in Excel is desired
