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The External Affairs Division serves as an intergovernmental arm of the SCA. The External Affairs Division develops and maintains positive relationships between the SCA and elected officials, community boards, community education councils, other public agencies and utilities,and the United Federation of Teachers. External Affairs acts as SCA representatives at large public hearings, maintains interagency communications, manages agency correspondence, gathers information for media inquiries and assists in emergency situations.
Job Description SummaryThe Manager Operations, Community Relations is the public face of the School Construction Authority for an assigned geography in New York City. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including the Department of Education, local schools, community boards, community and parent advocacy groups, elected officials, UFT officials, and others to maximize understanding of and support for Authority projects.
Job DescriptionResponsibilities include:
- Serve as a liaison for the SCA in assigned geography, representing the Authority in meetings related to planned or ongoing SCA projects.
- Collaborate across all SCA departments on all phases of a project, from design through construction. Assists with engagement of UFT chapters, principals, neighbors, elected officials, and community groups to address concerns. Make regular visits to active construction sites.
- Maintain relationships with elected officials and staff, Community Education Councils, Community Boards, civic associations, and neighborhood groups. Keep local entities informed on the progress of SCA activities.
- Assist with the development and coordination of strategies for the SCA which serve to foster, maintain, and deepen effective relationships with key constituencies, including community groups, elected officials, and community organizations.
- Coordinate with elected officials and staff, providing them with up-to-date reports on activities in their district, on an ongoing basis.
- Coordinate agency correspondence, including notice letters to neighbors and responses to elected official inquiries.
- Assist Communications Director in gathering information and planning groundbreaking and project completion ceremonies. Assist in special events and activities as needed.
- Attend and present at public hearings on new sites. Manage and oversee design presentations to the local community and elected officials. Brief and present to Community Education Councils on the Capital Plan and any amendments.
- Problem-solves issues arising from external stakeholders, including elected officials and their staff, Community Education Councils, community organizations and associations as well as members of the Department of Education.
Preferred Education/Experience:
- A minimum of 4 years of work experience in community or government relations, community organizing, urban planning or a related field.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, an understanding of the importance of timely follow up, and attention to detail.
- Must maintain composure and be able to perform effectively in challenging situations.
- Detail- and results-oriented and able to multi-task various projects with competing deadlines.
- Seasoned interpersonal skills with the ability to adapt messaging to a diverse audience of constituents to develop and maintain long-term relationships.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including PowerPoint.
- Strong dedication to teamwork. Evening work is occasionally required.
- Multilingual candidates are preferred.
Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive
Posting End Date: Monday August 10th, 2026
Salary Range: $85,151 - $102,000
EducationBaccalaureate
Certifications (if required)Work ExperienceEight years of full time diverse experience working in community or government relations, community organizing, urban planning, housing policy or management or a related field; four years must have been in a supervisory/managerial capacity or a satisfactory combination of education and experience.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
* Medical (100% employer paid for basic coverage available)
* Prescription Drug Options
* Dental & Vision Coverage
* NYC Qualified Pension Plan (QPP)
* Optional Retirement Savings Plans including 401K, 457 and IRA options
* Transit Check Program
* Public Loan Forgiveness Program
* Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) Benefits
As part of our ongoing commitment to employee growth and development, the SCA’s Learning and Development (L&D) program offers a variety of valuable benefits. These include tuition reimbursement for continued education that is directly related to your current role, as well as access to a broad range of individual and organizational training opportunities. Trainings on leadership development, technical skill-building, compliance, personal and professional growth. These programs are designed to strengthen performance, boost engagement, and ensure our workforce is fully equipped to meet both current and future organizational goals.
