Deputy Secretary for First Nations

Job Description

Deputy Secretary for First Nations

Location: Washington, DC or New York, NY or Albany, NY

As a member of the New York Executive Chamber, the Deputy Secretary for First Nations serves under the Director of State Operations. The Deputy Secretary is charged with advising the Governor on policies that impact First Nations, and with building and strengthening relationships between our governments. This position works on priorities such as land use, gaming, healthcare, the environment, economic development, and more. It requires frequent travel to indigenous territories.

The Deputy Secretary for First Nations works in close coordination with other Deputy Secretary teams, our Intergovernmental and Federal Affairs teams, and senior agency staff across New York State Government.

Location: Washington, DC, or New York City or Albany, NY

Salary: $175,000-$200,000. Rate within stated range is dependent on education and experience.

Duties:

• This position reports to the Director of State Operations.
• Regularly briefs the Governor and her senior team on nation priorities.
• Responsible for finding opportunities for the Governor to support and strengthen relationships with indigenous peoples across the state.
• Organizes the Governor’s visits to territories and convenings with First Nations.
• Works in close coordination with Deputy Secretaries and senior agency staff on responding to nation issues and priorities, developing and coordinating new initiatives, and structuring policy conversations.
• Prepares and reviews position papers, briefing materials, legislative proposals, budget initiatives, speeches and other such materials as may be required.
• Consults with non-governmental agencies, organizations and stakeholder groups.
• Frequent travel to nation territories throughout New York State; travel to NYC and Albany as needed.
• Performs related duties as requested.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of full-time, professional experience with a focus on public administration, public policy, or related topics with respect to First Nations and indigenous peoples. A Master’s degree in a related field or Juris Doctor may substitute for one year of this experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to work with cross-functional teams and navigate sensitive political or stakeholder environments.
• Excellent strategic thinking, written and verbal communication, and project management skills.