Chief of Staff - New York State Assembly District 34

New York State Assembly Member-Elect Brian Romero

Assembly District 34

Chief of Staff Job Description

Location: District Office. Albany, NY as needed.

Position Summary

The Chief of Staff serves as the senior executive leader and principal advisor to the Assembly Member. This position oversees day-to-day legislative, administrative, communications, and constituent operations across both the Albany legislative office and the local District Office. The Chief of Staff implements and tracks the Assembly Member’s strategic vision into practical plans, policy outcomes, directs staff, and liaises with government officials, labor unions, and community leadership.

Core Responsibilities:

Executive Management & Operations

• Direct daily operations across the Albany and District offices, managing staff priorities, workflows, and resource allocation.
• Lead, develop, and evaluate staff members, including the District Director, Communications Director, and constituent liaison(s).
• Cultivate a collaborative, high-accountability office culture.

Legislative Strategy & Policy Advice

• Act as the Member’s primary advisor on policy decisions, the state budget process, and Assembly floor voting positions.
• Oversee the conceptualization, drafting, and advancement of the Assembly Member's legislative agenda through the legislative process.
• Monitor legislative deadlines, analyze proposed bills, and ensure preparation of briefings/summaries for the Assembly Member.

Stakeholder Relations & Communications

• Represent the Assembly Member in meetings with state agency officials, labor unions, and advocacy groups.
• Ensure alignment of press outreach, social media, and constituent communications with strategic policy and community affairs goals.
• Oversee high-priority constituent case escalations and the processing of local district initiative funding applications.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of leadership experience in either government, legislative affairs, public policy, or political campaigns. Direct NYS Assembly or Senate experience strongly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (J.D. or Master's in Public Administration/Policy) preferred.
• A good understanding of the NYS legislative process and state budget cycles.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work non-standard hours, including nights and weekends, and travel to Albany during the active legislative session (January–June) when deemed necessary.

Key Abilities & Experience:

• Strong management experience, with an emphasis on staff supervision
• Strong project management skills and ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously
• Excellent organizational and leadership abilities
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in sensitive matters

Bonus Points If You:

• Are a resident of AD 34
• Speak Spanish, Bangla, Hindi, or Greek
• Have previous experience working in government or political campaigns
• Possess knowledge of the district's demographic and community needs

Salary & Benefits:

$95,000 - $100,000 per year (full-time salaried). This position offers health, vision + dental insurance as well as a pension plan. The position comes with sick days, vacation days, and personal time, as well as state holidays.

Timeline:

Applications will be accepted until and interviews will be scheduled for mid-October. The official start date will be January 4, 2027.

To Apply

Submit a 1-2 page resume, a 1-page cover letter, and names and contact information for three professional references to brianrforny@gmail.com with Subject: “Chief of Staff Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The New York State Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination based on disability - as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate based on disability in employment.

This position offers health, vision + dental insurance as well as a pension plan. The position comes with sick days, vacation days, and personal time, as well as state holidays.

Preferred: Fluency in Spanish, Bangla, Hindi, or Greek