Policy Director

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher is a grassroots elected official representing the 50th District, including all of Greenpoint and most of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. First elected in 2020, her office prioritizes tenants’ rights and housing security, safe streets and mass transit, environmental justice and confronting the climate crisis, empowering working people and rooting out corruption. The district has experienced major socioeconomic changes over recent decades but maintains its strong history of activism and community participation. 

The office seeks a full time Policy Director who will assist the Legislative Director in writing, promoting and organizing our legislative and community agenda to mobilize grassroots power, create communication plans and strategize to pass legislation. This role can be based in the Capital District or New York City, provided a willingness to commute to New York City or the Capitol, respectively, for necessary meetings. The Policy Director is responsible for representing the office professionally in the state capitol as needed; writing clearly, efficiently, and effectively; facilitating and creating press conferences and legislation-related educational events; and creating communications plans to promote and explain our agenda. 

The role will be structured as follows:

• 25% organizing and attending meetings with unions, non-profit organizations, other policy entrepreneurs, lobbyists, and concerned citizens around policy, budget and district issues, either alongside the Legislative Director or reporting back to them;
• 30% communications planning and execution both on social media and in the press;
• 30% strategy development directly with the Assemblymember, Legislative Director and the Chief of Staff;
• 15% covering office and constituent concerns as needed. 

The candidate must have:

• A professional, friendly demeanor;
• Cross-cultural competency and sensitivity.
• A strong sense of humor, patience, thick skin and practice in stress management;
• An ability to organize and successfully promote press events from start to finish;
• A self-starting, dependable work ethic and comfort working on their own or with others;
• Excellent communication skills;
• A commitment to evening and weekend work as needed;
• An understanding of the State Legislature’s schedule and a willingness to accommodate more demanding periods during the legislative session; 

The ideal candidate may:

• Have previous experience passing legislation or developing successful legislative advocacy campaigns, either as an advocate, public servant, or communications professional;
• Understand the legislative ecosystem of New York state, including the legislative process;
• Believe in the power of good policy and familiarity with building consensus
• Have a passion for social justice and environmental policy and an awareness of national policy trends.

We welcome applications from individuals with non-traditional work or educational experience. Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply! 

This job is a full time position and full benefits eligible, with a salary range of $70-80K a year based on experience.

Applicants should email a one-page cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to district50@nyassembly.gov no later than Friday, September 20th, 2024. Interviews will occur in late September and Early October, with a job start date of December 1st 2024.