Job Description

The Public Advocate, an independently elected public official, serves as a direct link between city government and residents, acting as a “watchdog” for New Yorkers. The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, an ex officio member of all Council committees and introduces and co-sponsors legislation. The Public Advocate serves on various City committees and appoints members to several boards and commissions.

The First Deputy Public Advocate serves as the principal advisor and senior manager to the Public Advocate by overseeing strategic initiatives, policy priorities, daily operations and, coordinating and aligning the Public Advocate’s policy vision and agenda. A leader with both managerial, policy, and interagency responsibilities, the First Deputy Public Advocate supports the execution the office’s agenda, the engagement of external and government partners, and advances the most impactful strategies rooted in equity, data and community.

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Public Advocate, supporting the execution of agency priorities and initiatives. Works closely with the Public Advocate to design a cutting edge strategy to achieve the Public Advocate’s citywide visions and office priorities and Initiatives;

Supervises and manages the policy and community engagement teams, including the Deputy Public Advocates; the Community Affairs unit; and the legislative and policy unit;

Develops, manages and oversees the public policy and advocacy agenda of the Office of the Public Advocate;

Collaborates and supports Senior Leadership to ensure office alignment; including the chief administrative officer, general counsel, and the senior advisor;

Advises and collaborates across key policy areas including housing equity; justice and safety; education and opportunity; infrastructure and environmental justice; among other issues;

Supports the office and the Public Advocate by managing intergovernmental affairs, including relationships with the Mayor’s office, the city council, state representatives and other partners.

Meets regularly with the OPA Leadership team to ensure alignment in shaping policy and community engagement 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;

Represent the office of the Public Advocate at internal and external meetings and events;

FIRST ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLIC - 94501

Qualifications

A minimum of seven (7) years- and preferred ten+ (10+) years -of significant senior leadership experience;

At least 2 years 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;

A strong track record navigating complex political and governmental environments;

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;

Additional Information

The City of New York 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.