The Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) is leading New York City’s response to, and service provision for, the influx of asylum seekers. New York City’s response is unique throughout the nation and includes complex services for asylum seekers, including but not limited to: legal supports, advocacy, shelter, education, workforce training, clothing and food donations, and collaboration with faith-based and community-based organizations.

OASO coordinates between agencies, makes sure that agencies have the resources they need, and manages the City’s advocacy to the state and federal governments. OASO also leads strategic planning for the City’s response, including long-term planning and policy drafting.

The Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) is recruiting for (1) (1) Executive Agency Counsel M-4 to function as a Special Advisor, Immigration Law, and Policy, who will:

Reporting to the OASO Executive Director, the Special Advisor, Immigration Law and Policy will assist in shaping the City’s legal and policy response to the sustained increase in recent arrivals to City shelters. Working closely with inter- and intra-agency partners and senior leadership, the Special Advisor’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

- Recommend, present, and promote strategic new policies or policy changes to facilitate pathways for recently arrived immigrants to access information, secure independent housing, and achieve safety and well-being.

- Help implementation teams understand the ways that new federal policies effect operations.

- Work closely with the City’s Federal Legislative Affairs team to track and advocate on federal appropriations and administrative and legislative activity related to immigration.

- Assess the Federal fiscal and social impact of proposed administrative and legislative policy changes; propose new policies and programs; recommend changes in existing policies and programs according to research findings and recommendations.

- Plan and coordinate meetings and engagements with key intergovernmental and governmental stakeholders to identify federal immigration policy opportunities and barriers, and brainstorm ideas with these key stakeholders to assist in the development of the City’s response and engagement.

- Bring in best practices nationwide to the city’s response including resettlement networks and nonprofit resources.

Admission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

- Juris Doctor degree recommended. In lieu of a JD, at least 4 years working on border or immigration issues. - 8+ years of administrative or managerial experience in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization operating in the area of social services - Extensive knowledge of federal immigration policy. - 2+ years of experience working in a social services capacity servicing immigrant populations and/or communities. - Strong analytical skills - Excellent oral and written communication skills - Highly organized and excellent ability to manage multiple priorities - Highly detail-oriented and committed to rapid execution - Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels - Highly professional demeanor - Sound judgment, critical thinking skills, patience, and a growth mindset - Ability to adapt to changing conditions quickly and effectively - Ability to work flexible hours and occasional weekends

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 not required for this position

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.