Manager of SAGEServes Government Relations (New York)

SAGE is the world’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) older adults. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in New York City, SAGE is a national organization that offers supportive services and consumer resources for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers, advocates for public policy changes that address the needs of LGBTQ+ older people, and provides cultural competency training for aging providers and LGBTQ+ organizations, largely through its National Resource Center on LGBTQ+ Aging and its growing social enterprise SAGECare.

Summary: Under the direction of the Executive Director of SAGEServes, Manager of Advocacy and Government Relations (New York) will represent SAGE and advocate for SAGE’s policy and budget priorities with New York City and New York State elected officials, policymakers, and their staffs.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a budget advocacy strategy, in partnership with SAGE’s Executive Vice President, Managing Director of Government Affairs and Policy Advocacy, and external government relations firm, to marshal New York City and New York State funding to support SAGE’s mission and propel our work forward
  • Maintain, steward, build and manage relationships, through in-person and virtual meetings, phone calls, letters and emails, with key city and state policy makers who are instrumental to SAGE’s work and LGBTQ+ aging issues
  • Contribute to the development of SAGE’s New York City and New York State policy agendas, support materials, presentations, briefing materials, reports, and other materials to further SAGE’s advocacy work
  • Advocate for New York City and New York State policies and legislation, as delineated in SAGE’s policy agendas, which advance LGBTQ+ aging issues
  • Develop and deliver testimony to relevant committees of the New York State Legislature and New York City Council
  • Coordinate and engage with partner organizations and coalitions to build support for SAGE’s policy goals and demonstrate support for issues and to organizations that align with SAGE’s policy goals and core values
  • Represent SAGE on key New York City and New York State LGBTQ+ and aging coalitions, including The HHS LGBTQ+ Network
  • Partner with SAGE’s Managing Director of Government Affairs and Policy Advocacy to ensure coordination with SAGE’s federal advocacy efforts and state-based advocacy in other states
  • Stay current on existing and proposed New York City and New York State legislation that impacts LGBTQ+ older people
  • Draft correspondence to key policymakers on behalf of SAGE’s staff leadership
  • Continually broaden expertise in the area of LGBTQ+ aging and serve as a resource on LGBTQ+ aging policies internally and externally
  • Coordinate with Managing Director of Government Affairs and Policy Advocacy, Civic Engagement Coordinator, Campaign Manager, Housing Policy Advocate, and HIV/Aging Policy Advocate
  • Work with other key SAGE staff to develop grassroots engagement plans to further SAGE’s policy efforts and identify opportunities for grassroots engagement with policymakers representing New York City and New York State
  • Coordinate with SAGEServes’ teams, Programs and Supportive Services, to develop constituent advocates who are ready to speak on a myriad of topics including, but not limited to, transgender experience, affordable housing experience, HIV+ aging, and LGBTQ+ veteran experience
  • Organize SAGE Center advocacy programs for constituent and staff involvement, such as letter writing, calls to elected officials, preparation for advocacy testimony, and lobby days at City Council and in Albany, in conjunction with other advocacy organizations
  • Support SAGE in maintaining leadership in Advocacy discussions regarding LGBTQ+ older adults

Required Qualifications:

  • 3-5 years of relevant professional or volunteer experience in advocacy, policy work, lobbying, or government
  • Deep understanding of and demonstrated commitment to LGBTQ+, HIV, and aging issues preferred; deep commitment to all three required
  • Passion for SAGE’s mission
  • Demonstrated commitment to SAGE’s values of diversity and equity

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Proven ability to work independently
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and general computer skills
  • Demonstrated ability to manage many competing deadlines
  • Works well under pressure
  • Strong leadership, motivational, and communication skills
  • Strong sense of humor

Status: Full-time, Exempt
Location: New York, NY – Hybrid role with 2-3 days a week in the Office or working with elected officials. Travel as needed around New York City and New York State including Albany, NY
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
Salary Range: $85,000 to $96,000
Reports to: Darcy Connors, Executive Director of SAGEServes
Benefits: SAGE offers a comprehensive benefit package

How to Apply: Please click here to begin the application process. Contact careers@sageusa.org if you have any questions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnicity, creed, color, religion, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, alienage or national origin, ancestry, age, citizenship status, marital or family status, family medical history or genetic information, veteran status, HIV serostatus, military or military discharge status, height, weight, disability or handicap, domestic violence victim status, employment status, socioeconomic status, criminal history or arrest record, sexual or other reproductive health decisions, natural hair or hairstyle, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. SAGE is dedicated to this policy, with respect to all matters concerning employment.