Senior Advisor for Legal Affairs & Policy

City of New York • New York City, NY

3d

About The Position

The New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs serves as the liaison between the City and New York City’s international community. The Office functions as a global platform from which the City can promote its goals for a more just and equitable society, showcase the diversity of New Yorkers, and share best practices with the world. The Office also works to foster positive relations and to encourage collaboration between the international community and New York City’s agencies and local neighborhoods. The Director of Legal Affairs will advise the Commissioner and IA leadership on international legal matters, ensure compliance with applicable laws, draft and review international agreements, and lead policy analysis drawing on global trends and innovations from other cities to advance the affordability agenda and other important priorities.

Requirements

• Juris doctorate from an accredited law school required.
• 5+ years of relevant professional experience, preferably in government, public policy, international affairs, or a related legal field.
• Experience in urban policy, public policy, and political analysis, including understanding how global developments affect cities.
• Knowledge of international law and legal issues affecting governments and diplomatic institutions.
• Excellent writing, communication, research, and analytical skills, with the ability to explain complex legal and policy issues clearly.
• Experience drafting legal agreements and developing legal strategies, preferably in a government or public sector environment.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and high ethical standards.
• Highly organized and adaptable, able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Admission to the New York State Bar.
• Four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.
• Must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Commissioner and IA leadership on legal and policy issues related to international engagement and partnerships.
• Draft and review memoranda of understanding, cooperation agreements, and other legal instruments for the City’s international partnerships.
• Ensure IA activities comply with applicable city, state, and federal laws, including those related to international relations, sanctions, procurement, and ethics.
• Coordinate with the City’s Law Department and agencies on legal issues related to international agreements, visits, and programs.
• Advise on City regulations affecting the diplomatic community, including parking, health and safety codes, taxation, and other municipal requirements.
• Lead policy analysis on global issues impacting New Yorkers such as migration, climate, and economic inequality and translate them into actionable solutions that deliver for working families.
• Identify and adapt policy innovations from other global cities, with a focus on advancing the Mayor’s affordability agenda and expanding economic opportunity.
• Analyze global developments affecting NYC’s diaspora communities to inform responsive, community-centered policy and engagement.
• Prepare clear, strategic briefings and guidance to support the Commissioner and Mayor in international engagements.
• Track global trends and city networks to identify partnerships that drive equity, affordability, and shared prosperity.

Benefits

• Inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree