Housing Equity Associate

City of New York•New York City, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the New York City Public Advocate for the City of New York seeks a Housing Equity Associate to support its mission of advancing equitable housing policy and community-centered advocacy initiatives. Reporting to the Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity, the Associate will assist with organizing strategies, policy research, stakeholder engagement, and rapid response efforts related to housing equity. This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and offers an opportunity to contribute to citywide advocacy in a fast-paced public service environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy, urban studies, political science, social sciences, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience in community engagement, organizing, advocacy, public service, or related work (including internships or volunteer service).
Foundational knowledge of housing policy issues and an understanding of systemic and institutional inequities affecting New York City communities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment.
Professional demeanor and sound judgment in handling sensitive matters.
Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Local travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City is required.
Ability to attend meetings, hearings, community events, and other official functions, including evenings and weekends.
Work will be performed in both office and community-based settings.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with New York City and New York State government structures and agencies preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency preferred.
Active New York State driver’s license preferred.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain effective working relationships with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, nonprofit partners, tenant associations, and other stakeholders in housing issue areas.
Represent the Office at community meetings, hearings, forums, and stakeholder convenings, including evenings and weekends.
Staff the Public Advocate at public, community, and official events as needed.
Support the execution of organizing strategies aligned with the Public Advocate’s citywide priorities and policy agenda.
Collaborate with the Constituent Services team to identify recurring housing-related concerns and inform broader advocacy initiatives.
Monitor local media, legislative developments, and agency actions related to housing policy, tenant protections, land use, and equity initiatives.
Conduct research and draft written briefings, memoranda, and issue summaries to inform internal strategy and decision-making.
Identify emerging housing issues and trends and contribute to the development of responsive policy recommendations and action plans.
Assist in preparing reports, fact sheets, and stakeholder communications related to housing advocacy initiatives.
Assist in coordinating rapid response efforts during housing-related emergencies or time-sensitive developments.
Support cross-team communication to ensure timely and informed engagement.
Track ongoing housing crises and contribute to both immediate and long-term strategic responses.