O
OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC ADVOCATE
FOR THE CITY OF NEW YORK
JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS
Tel 212-669-7200 | Fax 212-669-4701 | w
Position: First Deputy Public Advocate
Location: 1 Centre Street 15th Floor, North Building
Overview: The Public Advocate for the City of New York is a citywide elected official who serves as a direct link between the electorate and city government, effectively acting as an ombudsman, or “watchdog,” for New Yorkers by providing oversight of city agencies, investigating citizens’ complaints about city services and making legislative or policy proposals to address perceived shortcomings of those services. The Public Advocate presides over New York City Council stated meetings and is a non-voting member of the Council with the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams seeks qualified candidates who value all of the diversity that exists within New York City, and believes that all New Yorkers deserve a government that is equitable, efficient and accountable.
Description: Under the leadership of the Public Advocate, the First Deputy Public Advocate is the senior lead for the policy team, whose mission is to structure, coordinate and align the Public Advocate’s policy vision and agenda. A leader with both managerial and policy responsibilities, the First Deputy Public Advocate supports the technical execution of the office’s agenda and advances the most impactful strategies rooted in equity, data and community.
Responsibilities:
- Works closely with the Public Advocate to design a cutting edge strategy to achieve the Public Advocate’s citywide visions;
- Supervises and/or coordinates the direct reports of the policy team, including the Deputy Public Advocates;
- Develops, manages and oversees the public policy and advocacy agenda of the Office of the Public Advocate;
- Collaborates with the General Counsel and Chief of Staff to ensure office alignment;
- Advises and collaborates across key policy areas including housing equity; justice and safety; education and opportunity; infrastructure and environmental justice; among other issues;
- Meets regularly with the OPA Leadership team to ensure alignment in shaping policy priorities;
- Monitors legislative, policy and constituent developments at the state and local level to enhance strategies and policies;
- Provides appointment recommendations to relevant commissions and boardships;
- Drives team to maximize equity internally and externally, including in policy, organizing campaigns and research.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of seven (7) years- and preferred ten+ (10+) years -of significant leadership experience;
- At least 18 months of project management experience;
- Able to lead and manage senior leaders and directors in a collaborative and constructive manner;
- Familiarity with city and state infrastructure, legislative and policy;
- Experience integrating policy, grassroots and research within cutting-edge organizing campaigns;
- A proven track record of successful advocacy and winning legislative/policy battles;
- Strong interpersonal relationships and ability to effectively build coalitions and consensus;
- Expertise working with diverse constituencies and including their contributions in an intentional and meaningful way;
- Demonstrated experience working with and building teams that center racial, gender-equity, disability justice, and LGBTQ rights in programmatic and policy initiatives;
- Understanding of city and state politics, organizing and communications;
- Bilingual/multilingual proficiency are a plus;
- Appreciation of New York City’s diverse communities;
- Ability to maintain composure under extreme pressure situations;
- NYC Residency required within 90 days of hire
Salary:
- $155,000-$165,000 annually
How to Apply/Additional Information:
Send resume and cover letter to with the name of the position in the subject line. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we aren’t able to give status updates. We will, however, keep resumes on file for future opportunities.
The Office of the New York City Public Advocate and the City of New York are inclusive equal opportunity employers 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 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.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $155,000.00 - $165,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Military: 1 year (Preferred)
- Leadership: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- New York, NY 10007 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- New York, NY 10007: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in New York, NY 10007