Chief Of Staff

A New York City Council Member’s district office is seeking a Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff supervises, directs, and supports the Council Member’s team, which includes the Communications Director, the Legislative and Budget Director, Constituent Liaison(s), the Office Manager, and the Scheduler, as well as interns. The Chief of Staff serves as a primary advisor to and representative of the Council Member, and oversees all aspects of day-to-day operations.

SALARY RANGE:

$90,000 to $110,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work with the Council Member and staff to develop and implement strategies to advance the Council Member’s legislative, policy, budget, and community priorities.
• In coordination with and at the direction of the Council Member, oversee all personnel matters (including recruiting, hiring, training and managing all employees in the district and legislative offices), assign and direct work; supervise work product and track long-term projects to completion; and work to ensure effective internal communication and a collegial work environment.
• Facilitate effective collaboration with the offices of state, federal, and other city officials and the leadership and central staff of the City Council, as well as numerous city agencies.
• Develop and maintain relationships with constituents and community leaders, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholders as well as intergovernmental representatives of various city, state and federal agencies.
• Represent the Council Member at meetings and events, including full and committee level Community Board meetings, and meetings with neighborhood stakeholders and special interest groups. Schedule, coordinate, execute, and represent the Council Member at Council Member-sponsored community events, clinics, and forums.
• Review and respond to telephone inquiries, email, and other correspondence, delegating to the appropriate staff member as required. Ensure all staff respond to and follow up on outside inquiries in a prompt, professional way.
• Review all Communications output (including press-releases, social media posts, weekly e-blasts, etc.) and ensure it is technically and factually accurate.
• Meet with stakeholders to discuss their legislative agendas and concerns, in coordination with the Legislative and Budget Director.
• In coordination with the Legislative and Budget Director, lead the annual budget process, including outreach to community groups, local schools, non-profit organizations, etc. to assess needs and requests for discretionary funding. Work with the designated entities to ensure completion of applicable requirements, and reallocation of funding where necessary.
• Ensure the Council Member’s schedule is accurate and up-to-date. Work closely with the scheduler to ensure the Council Member has all materials (talking points, background material, citations, driving directions, etc.) needed for each meeting and event on the calendar.
• Ensure interns are properly on-boarded, that they are afforded a meaningful experience with the district office, and that all necessary follow-up is completed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Very strong oral and written communication, organizational and analytical skills. Adaptable and detail-oriented.
• Self-starter with exemplary judgement and political sensitivity who is able to build sustainable processes and drive projects to conclusion.
• Significant personnel and project management and public relations experience. At least three years’ experience managing staff and supporting a team highly preferred.
• Knowledge of the City Council district and experience with some or all of the functions of a local legislative office, including constituent services, legislation, policymaking, discretionary funding, and advocacy highly preferred.
• Ability to work at the local district office and the legislative office in downtown Manhattan as needed.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary.
• Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language highly preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans also available.

New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter, with the subject line to:

YOUR FULL NAME – Chief of Staff.

E-MAIL: [email protected]

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.