Director Of Policy And Strategic Initiatives

OFFICIAL JOB POSTING:

Responsibilities

The Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives leads strategic planning and policy coordination efforts across the Thruway Authority. This position manages cross-functional initiatives, monitors external policy developments, and promotes continuous improvement. The incumbent will collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with organizational goals and supports the implementation of strategic priorities through effective project and policy management. The incumbent will supervise staff within the Department of Strategic Management and will report directly to the Chief of Staff, Executive Deputy Director, and the Executive Director.

Duties will include but not be limited to the following:

• Serve as a direct liaison for the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Staff to the executive leadership team.

• Support the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Staff operational oversight, project management coordination, metric assessment, and milestone tracking.

• Represent the Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director and Chief of Staff at meetings and external functions.

• Lead the development and implementation of the Authority's strategic plan in collaboration with departments and divisions.

• Coordinate the preparation and publication of the annual strategic progress report.

• Facilitate strategic planning sessions and workshops with internal stakeholders.

• Supervise departmental staff, including task assignment, performance evaluations, and professional development.

• Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient resource allocation within the department.

• Manage and monitor strategic projects across various timelines, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Support change management activities, including stakeholder communications, readiness assessments, and adoption planning.

• Maintain and report strategic performance metrics; oversee dashboard development and data integrity.

• Collaborate with the Risk Management Unit to assess initiative impact and identify risks and opportunities.

• Integrate internal controls and enterprise management into the strategic planning process, plan, and annual update.

• Reduce redundancies across departments and streamline authority wide process and procedures.

• Promote cross-departmental collaboration and alignment of strategic efforts.

• Lead process improvement initiatives and recommend enhancements to operational workflows.

• Implement and lead project management across the authority and promote standardized project management practices and governance.

• Coordinate grant-related activities, including committee support, consultant oversight, and application tracking.

• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments at local, state, and national levels.

• Collaborate with Legal and Governmental Affairs to assess compliance and strategic implications of policy changes.

• Participate in coalitions and working groups to align with external partners and amplify policy impact.

• Contribute to internal policy development and prepare reports and briefings to highlight senior leadership activities and strategic priorities.

Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, strategic planning/management, public affairs/communications, or a related field AND five years of experience in strategic planning, policy analysis, project management, program development, infrastructure assessment, or public administration. At least two years must have been in a managerial role.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

• Coordinating cross-functional initiatives and managing complex projects.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools.

• Working in a public sector environment (federal, state, or local.)

• Familiarity with change management principles and performance measurement frameworks.

• Experience with grants management and external policy monitoring.

• Knowledge of New York State government operations and regulatory frameworks.

• Experience with Program Development and Critical Infrastructure.

Substitutions: A master's degree in public administration, business administration, strategic planning/management, public affairs/communications, or a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.