Chief of Staff

A New York State Senator is seeking an energetic, astute, diplomatic, and dedicated individual for a Chief of Staff position. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with a passion for public service to work with an elected official whose agenda is focused on advancing equity on issues that have both district-specific and state-wide impacts, among those being voting rights, housing affordability, criminal legal reform, gun safety, environmental justice, and healthcare justice.

This multifaceted and demanding role will have the following responsibilities:

• Research of emerging policy and governmental issues
• Analysis of legislative trends and proposals;
• Extensive interaction with the public in both small and large groups to gather information, listen to constituent concerns, research issues, develop solutions, manage communications and positively represent the Senator;
• Assist in the operations of the district office, including staff, assignments, workflow, etc.;
• Implement office policies and procedures for District Office using rules and regulations of the NY State Senate;
• Represent Senator at meetings, events, functions, etc. – including addressing the audience;
• Initiate and manage correspondence for an accurate representation of Senator’s positions;
• Maintain communication with the Albany staff, community, business leaders, constituent groups, and government partners;
• Accompany Senator on visits throughout the district when necessary;
• Assist constituents with unique and special needs;
• Liaise with government agencies, including other state elected offices as necessary;
• Assist in the scheduling and coordination of community meetings, events, and mobile offices across the district;
• Travel to Albany if necessary.

Qualified candidates for the position will have familiarity with Central Brooklyn and the surrounding neighborhoods, as well as the concerns and challenges facing its residents. The ideal candidate will also be politically aware and excited about working to advance equity and justice as we strive to serve the district’s diverse and vibrant communities and residents.

Additionally, the most qualified candidates will possess the following experience and competencies:

• Professional, empathetic, and tactful;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Emotionally intelligent with strong interpersonal skills;
• Comfortable discussing issues with diverse individuals with divergent points of view;
• Community service experience;
• At least 2 years’ experience managing staff, supporting a team, working in public service, or comparable experience;
• Experience working in an advocacy organization or government office;
• Experience in government legislative processes;
• Understanding of issues facing the State;
• Ability to collaborate;
• Ability to develop and nurture relationships and networks with a diverse population;
• Able to respond to a crisis with a calm and problem-solving focus;
• Comfortable in a fast-paced and dynamic office environment.

Researching policy, process and legislative issues and responding to the public’s concerns via phone, email and regular mail is an important element to the position. The ability to deal appropriately with confidential issues is expected. Strong technical (including social networking), coordination, administrative, research and analysis skills are critical for success.

Conversational bilingual ability (Spanish/Creole/English) is a plus. The ideal candidate will possess a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in public administration, public policy, planning, political science, business administration, sociology, or, a postgraduate (J.D., Ph.D.) degree.

If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please submit a cover letter and a resume.

The Senate Office is an Equal Opportunity employer: we do not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85,000.00 - $92,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• supervisory: 2 years (Preferred)
• working in public service: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: One location