Legislative Director

Assemblymember Emily Gallagher is a grassroots elected official representing the 50th District, including all of Greenpoint and most of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. First elected in 2020, her office prioritizes tenants rights and housing security, safe streets and mass transit, environmental justice and confronting the climate crisis, empowering working people and rooting out corruption, and ending mass incarceration and the criminalization of immigrants. The district has experienced major socioeconomic changes over recent decades but maintains its strong history of activism and community participation.

The office seeks a part-time Legislative Director who will research and craft legislation for New York State in alignment with Assemblymember Gallagher’s priorities. The Legislative Director will be responsible for drafting legislation and bill memos, amending legislation as necessary, and navigating the legislative process in Albany to pass meaningful legislation that improves the lives of working people. The Legislative Director is responsible for understanding both technical details as well as being able to describe concepts in plain language. This role can be based in the Albany area or in NYC, but will be expected to travel to Albany regularly during the legislative session (January - June).

The role will be structured as follows:

• 30% drafting, editing, proofreading, refining legal bill language
• 25% designing and managing pathway to passage and signing for each bill
• 20% developing bill ideas that are in alignment with the values of Emily Gallagher’s political agenda
• 15% research, including bill opposition, legislation carried by other members, and new legislative topics of interest
• 10% building stakeholder connections and alignment

The candidate must have:

• Exceptional knowledge of legal writing
• A professional, friendly demeanor to formally represent the Assemblymember
• Strong sense of humor, patience, thick skin and practice keeping cool under pressure
• A strong understanding or interest in the inner workings of the Albany legislature and the wonky details of individual pieces of legislation
• Self-starter who is comfortable working on their own in different environments
• Clear communicator in English who is accountable and transparent
• Understanding of the State Legislature’s schedule and a commitment to working within it (January - June in Albany with little flexibility, an awareness of state budget processes and deadlines, and June-December with wider flexibility)
• Have a passion for social justice and environmental policy and awareness of national policy trends

The ideal candidate may:

• Be a resident of Albany or surrounding area OR Be a resident of District 50 (Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Brooklyn) or nearby neighborhood
• Have a law degree or be actively pursuing one
• Have previous experience passing legislation, either as an advocate or state administrator, or as experience as an educator or lawyer

We welcome applications from individuals with non-traditional work or educational experience. Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply!

This job begins as part-time with potential to grow and is fully benefits eligible, with a starting salary of $41,714 annually for 20 hours a week of work ($40/hr.)

Applicants should email a one-page cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references to district50@nyassembly.gov no later than March 15, 2026, with an expected start date in mid April.

Medical, dental, vision, mental health and government retirement (tier 6)

English, Legalese