Senior Policy Associate

About us

The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (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 Senior Policy Associate to work on projects supporting states, cities and not-for-profits with their budget and policy agendas. This will include research, data analysis, and advisory support and technical assistance to our partners.

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 policymaking in New York and nationally.

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

• Manage a work plan, timeline, and processes for the project toward completion of designated deliverables; ensure the integrity of all deliverables
• Build and manage day-to-day relationships with government and other partners, including attending meetings and managing correspondence between meetings, and serving as an ongoing advisor and technical assistance provider to these partners
• Represent ISLG at external meetings and events
• Facilitate meetings with staff and/or other external stakeholders and lead site visits as needed
• Document findings and technical assistance needs
• Problem-solve issues that arise and think critically about all aspects of the project work, including course changes or plan revisions as needed to meet deliverables
• Write memos, policy reports, proposals, and publications; present policy findings to external stakeholders as needed and appropriate
• Work closely with Program Directors and Senior Fellows to contribute to project development and strategy for the police reform portfolio and for the Institute overall
• Other duties as assigned

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 a JD, MA, or PhD
• You have substantial experience (at least 7 years with a JD or MA; 4+ years with a PhD) working full-time in a government, private and/or nonprofit organization, managing large projects with multiple stakeholders
• 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 $90,000-$120,000, 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/Senior-Policy-Associate_JR963?q=jr963. You will need to submit a cover letter describing your qualifications and interests and attach your resume/curriculum vitae. Questions can be addressed to info@islg.cuny.edu.

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/ E-Verify Employer

This is a full-time position in New York City with a salary range of $90,000-$120,000, 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