A New York City Council member, representing District 45, is seeking a Chief of Staff. The Chief of Staff is the senior manager of the Council Member’s office and serves as a principal advisor and representative of the Council Member. This role oversees all day-to-day district and legislative office operations, manages staff, and ensures alignment with the Council Member’s legislative, policy, budgetary, and community priorities.
The Chief of Staff directly supervises and supports a multidisciplinary team that may include the Communications Director, Legislative Director, Budget Director, Housing Director, Constituent Liaisons, Office Manager, Scheduler, and interns.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Serve as the Council Member’s primary strategic advisor and operational lead, overseeing office priorities, budget management, constituent services, outreach and engagement, and overall daily operations.
· Lead all personnel functions across district and legislative offices, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, evaluations, and staff development.
· Build and maintain strong working relationships with City agencies, City Council leadership and central staff, and the offices of state, federal, and local elected officials.
· Cultivate and sustain relationships with constituents, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and key stakeholders, including intergovernmental partners.
· Represent the Council Member at meetings and public events, including Community Board meetings, stakeholder convenings, and engagements with advocacy and special interest groups.
· Oversee constituent services and external communications, ensuring inquiries and correspondence are handled efficiently, accurately, and professionally.
· Review and approve all communications materials—including press releases, social media, newsletters, and e-blasts—to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with office priorities.
· Manage the Council Member’s schedule in coordination with the Scheduler; ensure thorough preparation for meetings, hearings, and events through briefing materials and talking points.
· Oversee internal office operations, including staff scheduling, workflow management, and coordination of cross-functional projects.
· In partnership with the Budget Director, lead the annual discretionary funding process, including outreach to community-based organizations, schools, and nonprofits to assess needs and allocate resources strategically.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities.
· Highly adaptable, detail-oriented, and solutions-driven, with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
· Demonstrated sound judgment, discretion, and political acumen.
· Proven ability to manage teams, build sustainable internal systems, and drive projects from conception through completion.
· Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing staff and supporting senior leadership.
· Familiarity with New York City legislative and budget processes, City agencies, and district operations strongly preferred.
· Knowledge of constituent services, legislation, policymaking, discretionary funding, and advocacy within a legislative office preferred.
· Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.
For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.
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 to:
E-MAIL: [email protected]
MAIL: New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (COS45)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10007
FAX: 12124014711
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.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
