First Deputy Public Advocate

City of New York•New York, NY

5d•$185,000 - $200,000

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 priorities, engagement with external and government partners, and advancement of strategies rooted in equity, data, and community. The First Deputy supervises policy and community engagement teams, including Deputy Public Advocates, the Community Affairs unit, and the legislative and policy unit. The role develops and oversees the Office of the Public Advocate’s public policy and advocacy agenda, collaborates with senior leadership, advises across key policy areas, and manages intergovernmental affairs. The position also monitors legislative, policy, 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 within organizing campaigns.
Proven record of successful advocacy and winning legislative or policy battles.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build coalitions and consensus effectively.
Expertise working with diverse constituencies and meaningfully incorporating their contributions.
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

Bilingual or multilingual proficiency.

Responsibilities

Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the Public Advocate in executing 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 support 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 enhance strategies and policies.
Provide appointment recommendations for relevant commissions and boards.
Lead efforts to maximize equity internally and externally in policy, organizing campaigns, and research.
Represent the Office of the Public Advocate at internal and external meetings and events.