Hot Topics / Priority Issues

The NYS Conference of Local Mental Hygiene Directors, Inc. (the Conference) is seeking experienced candidates for the position of Director of Governmental Relations. The Conference is a statewide association representing the County Directors of Community Services (DCS)/Mental Health Commissioners from the 57 counties and the City of New York. The DCSs manage and oversee and planning for and implementation of services to adults and children with mental illness, substance use disorder or developmental disabilities in their counties. The Conference is an affiliate of the NYS Association of Counties (NYSAC). 

This is a professional-level position for an individual who is familiar with the legislative and state budget processes, possesses the skills to advocate effectively, and ideally, is familiar with Conference policy issues which include the community mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities systems in the State. An understanding of Medicaid, Medicaid Redesign and behavioral healthcare is a plus. 

The Director of Governmental Relations reports to the Executive Director and works closely with the Counsel, CLMHD Officers and members. The Director is a policy-oriented position and requires excellent analytical skills to understand and evaluate the impact of legislative proposals and the state budget on county mental hygiene funding and operations. 

This position plays a leading role in developing and advancing the Conference’s policy agenda and advocacy efforts before the NYS Legislature, the Executive Chamber, the Division of the Budget and NYS agencies including OMH, OASAS, OPWDD and DOH. 

Responsibilities:

• Developing and implementing the Conference’s state level advocacy efforts with respect to the state budget and legislative public policy interests
• Identifying and evaluating relevant legislation and drafting formal position papers on bills
• Analyzing and writing detailed overview of the State Budget, throughout the state budget process
• Developing and maintaining effective relationships with state legislators and staff, the Executive Chamber, Budget Division and State Agency staff
• Providing staff support to the Chairs of the CLMHD Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Committees including agenda preparation and arranging for subject matter experts.
• Staying abreast of public policy developments and models of care and treatment for individuals with mental illness and/or SUD concerns

Qualifications:

• Experience with the operations of the NYS Legislature or related experience with a state- government position which involves interaction with the Legislature
• Extensive knowledge of the state budget and legislative processes
• Exceptional analytic skills with respect to understanding and evaluating bill language and budget documents
• Exceptional writing skills
• Ability to develop and implement an effective statewide advocacy strategy to move forward the Conference’s public policy priorities.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders
• Understanding of the Medicaid program and NY’s Medicaid Redesign with respect to behavioral healthcare transformation is preferred.
• Experience working with Boards of Directors and/or a membership Association is preferred, but not required
• Minimum bachelor’s level degree