The office of NYS Senator Kristen Gonzalez is seeking a Policy Director to join our team. Senator Gonzalez represents the 59th District in the New York State Senate which includes parts of three boroughs, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, and she Chairs two committees, the Committee on Internet and Technology and the Committee on Elections.  

The Policy Director will be responsible for leading legislative strategies and working across teams to advance policy solutions that improve the material conditions of District 59 residents and all New Yorkers. This position will involve crafting legislative solutions, overseeing messaging and external communications, and working with coalitions of advocates, stakeholders, and elected officials to design strategies for bills to pass. The Policy Director will report directly to the Chief of Staff and work closely with the Senator, as well as Senior Counsel and Committee Directors, they will also be responsible for overseeing the Legislative Director, and Communications Director.  In addition, they will work with members of the Community Affairs team to understand the priorities of the district’s residents and respond to their concerns.  

Responsibilities 

• Direct legislative strategy for the office, which includes helping to craft new legislation, and working on strategies for passing priority bills that include internal processes and engages external stakeholders. 

• Oversee external communications on legislation, which includes writing messaging guides, white papers and explanations, talking points for press interviews, and for community affairs team, op-eds, as well as responses to constituent inquiries, and other communications assets that are clear and adaptable for multiple audiences. 

• Plan legislative events such as roundtables, press conferences, town halls, rallies, and other opportunities to engage with colleagues, advocates, and the public on legislative and policy priorities. 

• Manage workflows of legislative and communications staff to ensure timely execution and high-quality work of legislative initiatives. 

• Meet with advocates, community members, stakeholders, and other government offices to develop policy, communication strategies, and advocacy coalitions in order to advance legislation. 

• Conducting research into areas of concern, in order to prioritize and inform on policy decisions, legislative development, and priorities for the office. 

• Accompany the Senator at meetings and events and during the Albany legislative session, ensuring the member is prepared with talking points and briefing materials.  

• Travel between Albany and New York City as necessary.   

Key Abilities & Experience 

• Knowledge of New York State legislative process, organization, and procedures. 

• Ability to read and understand legislation, engage with complex public policy, and communicate clearly to a wide and diverse audience about these topics. 

• Management experience.  

• Demonstrated organizational skills in effectively building relationships and working with coalitions. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  

• Strong organizational skills, to include the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and maintain consistent attention to details. 

• Knowledge of and familiarity with the diverse and urgent needs of this triborough district. 

• Required to live in New York State upon the beginning of employment start date. 

Bonus points if you: 

• Have a law degree, JD or master’s degree in public policy or public administration, or equivalent relevant work experience 

• Are a resident of SD-59 

Salary & Benefits 

$75,000-$95,000 per year based on experience. This is a full-time, overtime-exempt position. This position offers health, vision + dental insurance, a retirement plan, an opt-in life insurance policy, pre-tax transit and medical benefits. This position is hybrid and comes with sick days, vacation days, and personal time, as well as state holidays. Travel between Albany and New York City may be required. 

To Apply 

Submit a 1-page resume, a 1-page cover letter, and names and contact information for three professional references to gonzalezjobs@nysenate.gov with the subject line “Policy Director.” 

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to each applicant. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. Applicants who advance to the next round will be invited to interview with team members via email. 

The Senate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability - as well as the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate on the basis of disability with regard to employment. Women, people of color, LGBTIAQ2S+ folks highly encouraged to apply.