The New York City Comptroller’s Office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust, secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers, and build a more just, equitable, and resilient city. Led by an independently elected citywide official, the Comptroller’s Office provides checks and balances needed to hold City government accountable for budgeting wisely, investing responsibly, operating efficiently, acting fairly, living up to its obligations and promises, and paying attention to the long term challenges we face together.

The Bureau of Public Policy and Organizing advises the Comptroller on public policy issues confronting New York City to build a more just, equitable, and resilient City. Based on the team’s policy analysis, original research, strategic organizing, and engagement of New Yorkers, the Bureau of Public Policy and Organizing develops innovative and data driven public policy ideas, provides the public with the information needed for transparency on services and operations to make government work better, and organizes initiatives that reflect community voices. The Policy and Organizing team works closely in partnership with other bureaus to advise and support the Comptroller’s office in fulfilling its core duties and responsibilities.

The Office of Comptroller Brad Lander is seeking a Policy Analyst to assist in developing, advocating for and implementing the mental and behavioral health policy priorities of the office. This analyst will be part of the Policy & Organizing Bureau. The position requires the ability to quickly analyze both breaking news developments affecting the people of the City of New York and develop innovative, ground-breaking solutions to longstanding policy challenges confronting communities throughout the five boroughs.

The duties and responsibilities of the position may include, but are not limited to:

- Self-directed research of policy matters using original source material and primary documents, including the City’s key management and budget documents;
- Writing in-depth policy reports based on original empirical research;
- Identifying and proposing ways to leverage the tools of the office, including audits, contracts and procurement, budget oversight, asset management, claims and settlements, constituent services, and prevailing wage enforcement among others to help solve public problems and advance the office’s policy agenda;
- Working in close partnership with the Bureau of Public Affairs to maintain and cultivate a network of external partners and allies;
- Current and timely command of the City, State, and Federal policy developments in assigned areas of responsibility;
- Answering questions from press, colleagues, and external partners on breaking developments in City and State government;
- Identifying emerging issues and policy trends consistent with the office’s stated policy agenda;
- Making presentations to the Comptroller and senior staff for the purpose of initiating new policy investigations and research projects;
- Organizing and leading multi-disciplinary teams on special projects and initiatives that cut across the bureaus of the agency; and,
- Performing other related assignments and/or special projects as may be required.

Areas of policy assigned to this analyst may include but not be limited to:

- Crisis response & intervention
- Mental health care for individuals in custody
- Early intervention and mental & behavioral health in schools
- Coordinated care for individuals experiencing homelessness
- Diversion programs for justice-involved people with mental illness
- Suicide prevention

SKILLS/QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university, and at least 4 years of professional experience as a mental health practitioner or in public policy research and analysis at a government or public policy non-profit organization; or equivalent satisfactory education and/or experience.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with major in accounting, business administration, public relations, city planning, urban renewal, law, or a related field and three (3) years of satisfactory, full-time, responsible experience in housing, education, health services, planning, state-federal-city relations, or community relations involving administration or program development and evaluation; or

2. A satisfactory equivalent.

- Exceptional writing skills and ability to perform complex data and/or legal analysis - Demonstrated policy or practitioner research experience relating to New York City - Demonstrated ability to explain complex policy matters in clear, accessible language (i.e., written reports or policy briefs) - A track record of working successfully with government officials (including staff) and thought leaders from neighborhoods, businesses and advocacy organizations - Familiarity with the current policy issues and strong interest in current events and in identifying solutions to the concerns of the people of New York City - Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced government office and - An eagerness to be supportive of colleagues and to work collaboratively.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.