The Office of New York City Comptroller Brad Lander is seeking a Senior Policy Researcher to develop and implement the office’s public policy priorities. The Senior Policy Researcher will be part of the Policy Bureau, advising the Comptroller and other senior staff on key policy priorities and initiatives.

The position requires a strong writer and researcher who can manage projects with multi-disciplinary teams that cut across the bureaus of the agency, quickly analyze both data and breaking news developments affecting New Yorkers and develop innovative, ground-breaking solutions to longstanding policy challenges confronting communities throughout the five boroughs. The duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:

- Conducting self-directed research on issues pertaining to economic mobility and public benefits, homelessness, immigration, mental health, and/or other disciplines relating to human services or family and economic support;

- Using original source material and primary documents, including the City’s key management, budget, and legal documents to produce policy briefs and reports;

- Writing in-depth policy briefs and reports based on original empirical research, with a particular aptitude in using Census and other demographic data;

- Maintaining current and timely command of City, State, and Federal policy developments in assigned areas of responsibility;

- Identifying emerging issues and policy trends consistent with the office’s stated policy agenda;

- Working in close partnership with the Bureau of Public Affairs to maintain and cultivate a network of external partners and stakeholders;

- Answering questions from press, colleagues, and external partners on breaking developments in City and State government;

- Making presentations to the Comptroller and senior staff for the purpose of initiating new policy investigations and research projects;

- Managing projects with multi-disciplinary teams that cut across the bureaus of the agency; and,

- Performing other related assignments and/or special projects as may be required.

QUALIFICATIONS / PREFERRED SKILLS:

BS/BA degree from an accredited college or university, and four (4) or more years of professional experience in policy research and analysis, performing functions similar to the bulleted list of the above job description, at a government, or public policy non-profit organization.

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.

- Graduate degree in public policy or social work, or other related fields - Exceptional writing skills and ability to perform complex data analysis - Demonstrated policy research experience relating to economic mobility and public benefits, homelessness, immigration, mental health, and/or other disciplines relating to human services or family and economic support - 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 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. Note: Cover letter must detail the possession of the preferred skills and specific policy areas of interest/expertise. We will consider all qualified applicants meeting the job requirements, regardless of an individual’s experience in specific substantive policy areas. However, applicants with experience working in New York City government on policy issues are strongly encouraged to apply.

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.