At the direction of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State LGBTQ Fellowship was established to support the ongoing efforts in the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer. The LGBTQ Fellow is awarded every two years to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice, a track record of working on LGBTQ equality, civil rights and diversity, equity and inclusion issues, and a strong interest in a career in public service.
The Fellow will serve in the Office of the Chief Diversity Officer and assist the Chief Diversity Officer in optimizing New York State agency diversity and inclusion goals, increasing BIPOC representation across New York State agencies, and continuing to build the State’s leadership as a model employer for New Yorkers of all gender identities and sexual orientations. In collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, the Fellow will also work to advance LGBTQ equity across New York State government, including providing policy and content expertise, project management, community engagement, event planning, strategic communications, and legislative tracking.
The fellowship is named after LGBTQ leaders who have—with their courage, tenacity and perseverance—raised awareness of LGBTQ issues and made a lasting difference in the LGBTQ community. The fellowship lasts for two years and is named in recognition of three New York leaders: Edie Windsor for her advocacy and groundbreaking work in successfully challenging the federal defense of marriage act and Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera for their movement leading advocacy on behalf of the transgender community in New York.
The Fellow will have the opportunity to network across New York State agencies, with elected officials and industry partners and to participate as an Empire State Fellow in educational and professional development programs, including a week-long orientation session and biweekly evening classes that will help them to serve as an effective government leader and strengthen the network of LGBTQ policymakers and leaders in New York State.
The Fellow will serve from October 2021 to October 2023 and will earn a salary of $72,765 plus a generous benefits package.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree required – advanced degree preferred
· Five (5) or more years of full-time professional work experience
· Demonstrated leadership potential
· Availability to work in New York City, NY with significant travel to Upstate especially Albany throughout the two-year program
Applicants who are members of groups underrepresented in policy-making roles in New York State government, which include but are not limited to Black, Hispanic, Asian and Pacific Islander persons; women; persons with disabilities; and LGBTQ+ persons, are particularly encouraged to apply. Those currently employed in the legislative or executive branches of New York state government are not eligible to apply.
