Policy Associate

About Us

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.

Our Goals for Diversity and Inclusion

We strive to foster an office environment and an approach to work that welcomes and respects different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We are working towards our goal of recruiting and retaining staff and board members who are diverse in terms of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic status, disability, and justice system involvement.

Who we are Looking for

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.

The Policy Associate will report to a Senior Policy Associate on a range of tasks, which may include but are not limited to:

• 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

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.

We would love to hear from you if you have:

• 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

This is a full-time position in New York City with a salary range of $65,000-$85,000, depending on experience, and excellent benefits, including:

• 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.

Our staff also benefit from:

• 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 policymaking expertise.

How to Apply

To apply please visit https://rfcuny.wd108.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/RFCUNY/details/Policy-Associate_JR962?q=jr962. For this role please submit a cover letter describing your qualifications and interests and attach your resume/curriculum vitae. Questions about the position can be addressed to info@islg.cuny.edu. Application review will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled.

The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance and the Research Foundation of the City University of New York are an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Americans with Disabilities Act/Protected Veterans Status/ Verify Employer

This is a full-time position in New York City with a salary range of $65,000-$85,000, depending on experience, and excellent benefits, including:

• 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.

Our staff also benefit from:

• 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 policymaking expertise.