First Deputy Public Advocate

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The First Deputy Public Advocate serves as the principal advisor and senior manager to the Public Advocate, overseeing strategic initiatives, policy priorities, and daily operations while coordinating the office’s policy vision and agenda. The role supports execution of the office’s agenda, engagement with external and government partners, and development of impactful strategies grounded in equity, data, and community. The First Deputy manages policy and community engagement teams, develops and oversees the office’s public policy and advocacy agenda, and works with senior leadership to maintain alignment. The position advises and collaborates across policy areas including housing equity, justice and safety, education and opportunity, infrastructure, and environmental justice. It also manages intergovernmental affairs, monitors legislative and constituent developments, recommends appointments to commissions and boards, and represents the office at meetings and events.

Requirements

At least seven years of significant senior leadership experience; ten or more years preferred.
At least two years of project management experience.
Ability to lead and manage senior leaders and directors collaboratively and constructively.
Familiarity with city and state infrastructure, legislation, and policy.
Experience integrating policy, grassroots work, and research into organizing campaigns.
A proven record of successful advocacy and winning legislative or policy battles.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build coalitions and consensus.
Expertise working with diverse constituencies and meaningfully incorporating their contributions.
A strong track record navigating complex political and governmental environments.
Demonstrated experience working with and building teams that center racial equity, gender equity, disability justice, and LGBTQ rights in programmatic and policy initiatives.
Understanding of city and state politics, organizing, and communications.
Appreciation of New York City’s diverse communities.
Ability to maintain composure under extreme pressure.

Nice To Haves

Ten or more years of significant senior leadership experience.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Public Advocate, supporting the execution of agency priorities and initiatives.
Work with the Public Advocate to design strategies for achieving citywide visions, office priorities, and initiatives.
Supervise and manage policy and community engagement teams, including Deputy Public Advocates, the Community Affairs unit, and the legislative and policy unit.
Develop, manage, and oversee the Office of the Public Advocate’s public policy and advocacy agenda.
Collaborate with senior leadership, including the chief administrative officer, general counsel, and senior advisor, to ensure office alignment.
Advise and collaborate across policy areas, including housing equity; justice and safety; education and opportunity; infrastructure; and environmental justice.
Manage intergovernmental affairs and relationships with the Mayor’s office, City Council, state representatives, and other partners.
Meet regularly with the OPA Leadership team to align policy and community engagement priorities.
Monitor state and local legislative, policy, and constituent developments to inform strategies and policies.
Provide appointment recommendations for relevant commissions and boards.
Drive efforts to maximize equity internally and externally across policy, organizing campaigns, and research.
Represent the Office of the Public Advocate at internal and external meetings and events.