Labor and Community Job Opportunities, Opportunities

Office of New York City Councilmember Brad Lander Seeks Policy and Budget Director

New York City Council Member Brad Lander, Deputy Leader for Policy, is seeking a Policy and Budget Director to lead our efforts to research, develop, and coordinate campaigns for public policy and legislation for a more just, fair, vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable New York City, and to manage the Council Member’s annual budget work.

Who We Are:

Brad Lander is Deputy Leader for Policy of the New York City Council, and chairs the Council’s Policy Working Group, and the Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections. Lander has successfully championed legislation to create and preserve affordable housing, end discriminatory employment credit checks, combat school segregation, protect the environment, and strengthen livable neighborhoods. He helped lead the effort to pass the Community Safety Act (which created the Office of the NYPD Inspector General and strengthened NYC’s ban on bias-based profiling), strengthen the NYC Human Rights Commission, and advance good government (by reforming the Council’s rules and enhancing NYC’s campaign finance system). Brad is co-founder of the Council’s Progressive Caucus and currently chairs its political arm. He is a founding board member of Local Progress, a national policy network of progressive local elected officials, and of the Local Leaders Council of Smart Growth America.

The Position:

The Policy and Budget Director is a senior position in the Council Member’s office, with significant opportunity to have an impact on NYC public policy. Responsibilities include:

Policy & Legislation

  • Help craft and implement public policy and legislative strategies:
    • Research and develop potential legislation and new policy initiatives.
    • Work with legislative counsels to draft and introduce legislation, and coordinate hearings.
    • Work with other CM offices, advocacy organizations and coalitions to develop strategy, build support, address issues, and move bills forward.
    • Prepare research and materials in support of legislation and policy.
  • Provide support on the Council’s legislative, budget, and land use docket:
    • Research and brief the CM on high-priority legislation, oversight hearings, budget, and land use matters (both in the district and citywide).
    • Coordinate meetings with advocates, stakeholders, and lobbyists regarding. Council legislation, budget, and land use issues.
  • Help to prepare remarks for the Council Member in advance of key hearings, speaking opportunities, etc.
  • Support the Council Member in his work as Chair of the Council’s Policy Working Group, and Committee on Rules, Privileges and Elections by working collaboratively with the counsels assigned to the committee.

Budget

  • Oversee work on the Councilmember’s citywide budget priorities.
    • Help research, develop, and advance the Council Member’s annual citywide budget priorities. Working with other Council Member offices and Council Finance staff to advocate for the priorities.
  • Manage the annual process of allocating funding including:
    • Track requests for budget allocations and correspond with interested groups throughout the budget process.
    • Work with other staff to set meetings with high priority groups.
    • Make recommendations for allocations and work with the CM and staff to finalize and submit the list.
    • Provide technical assistance to awarded groups, and serve as a liaison with City agencies to trouble-shoot and advance awards.
    • Provide some technical support to Participatory Budgeting delegates.

Other

  • Recruit & supervise Policy & Budget Interns to assist with this work.
  • Work collaboratively with the rest of the Council Member’s staff to provide policy & budget support for their work, and especially with the communications staffer on strategies to advance policy.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Smart, hard-working individual committed to making progressive public policy changes in New York City.
  • Track record of successful work developing and advancing public policy. At least two years of policy analysis or related work.
  • Masters degree in public policy, city planning, or related field, or a law degree (with a public policy focus) strongly preferred
  • Team player with good ability to help coordinate and work in coalitions.

What We Offer in Return:

  • $55,000 – $60,000 annual salary
  • Generous benefit and leave policies
  • Great opportunity to make NYC a more just, fair, vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable place
  • The chance to work with a highly visible, mission-driven office and a great team of colleagues
  • A supportive work environment, with attention to professional development and opportunities for growth

We aim to build a diverse staff team of individuals committed to our goals. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

How to Apply:

To apply, please send cover letter, resume, and references to Rachel Goodman, Chief-of-Staff, rgoodman@council.nyc.gov.