Policy Associate

Research Foundation of The City University of New York•New York, NY

1d•$65,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (CUNY ISLG) is a good governance think-and-do tank. We are driven by the idea that data-informed approaches can measurably improve the way government and public institutions operate, equitably serve all constituents, and ultimately solve social policy problems. We also provide the knowledge and action needed to fuel those approaches. With the necessary research, policies, partnerships, and infrastructures, we help government and public institutions work more effectively, efficiently, and in the interest of all communities. The CUNY ISLG Operations team is hiring a Policy Associate to provide research on fiscal practices, efficiency and effectiveness measures for governmental and not-for-profit organizations. The Operations team partners with governments, public institutions, and nonprofits to apply analytical analysis and strategic insights to financial and operational challenges affecting complex organizations and programs. Through financial planning, policy analysis, process redesign, and strategic implementation support, the team helps organizations operate more efficiently and equitably to advance impactful and long-term solutions. The primary focus of the position will be to provide expertise in municipal, state, and not-for-profit budgets and policy, develop strong understanding of the interplay and sources of funds between multiple levels of government, and analyze data and support senior staff on recommendations to jurisdictions on policy and funding priorities. This is an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneurial- and civic-minded professional interested in working in a public policy setting, and for a range of audiences that include government and university officials, funders, researchers, and the general public. This is also an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of government policy-making in New York and nationally. Our office is located in New York City, and the position will be hybrid.

Requirements

You have an MA or PhD
You have a MA with 4+ years experience working full-time in a government, private and/or nonprofit organization, managing large projects with multiple stakeholders, or a PhD with 1+ year of full time work experience
You have demonstrated subject matter expertise in public finance and/or public policy research
You have exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with staff and create and maintain excellent working relationships with government and other partners
You are able to adapt to changing demands and requirements as projects develop, and to participate in collaborative project development with a diverse internal team and external stakeholders
You have excellent time management skills and experience working in deadline-driven environments
You can prioritize and work on a number of tasks simultaneously
You have an exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
You have excellent writing skills
You are flexible

Responsibilities

Conducting research on federal, state, municipal and not-for-profit budget policies
Collecting and analyze data
Working with our team to develop comparative analyses of budget and other policy matters and provide recommendations on best practices for our clients
Conduct independent research
Develop reports and presentations summarizing findings and recommendations
Collaborate with clients to help them understand the implications of different budget policy matters, and to develop strategies for implementing them effectively
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
Paid vacation and personal days
Paid sick leave
CUNY tuition reimbursement program
Pre-tax benefits for transit and healthcare costs
Family/parental leave
Life insurance
A retirement plan with employer contribution
A positive work/life balance
Opportunities for advancement within the organization
Engagement with the broader CUNY network
Working with organizational leadership who have years of significant public sector and policy-making expertise