About the Position 

We are seeking a Legislative & Communications Director who can lead the development, passage, and rollout of policy while owning a proactive, disciplined communications program. The Director will build relationships and coalitions with key stakeholders across the district and city, representing the Council Member on a number of citywide policy issues. 

About the Office

Council Member Jennifer Gutiérrez represents the 34th NYC Council District encompassing Williamsburg, South Williamsburg, East Williamsburg, Bushwick, the Southside in Brooklyn, as well as Ridgewood in Queens. Our office pairs strong progressive values with hands-on problem-solving for neighbors, focusing daily on constituent needs while advancing legislation that improves life across the district and the city. Our team is a majority of constituent services and organizing staff. 

Legislative & Policy

• Research, develop, and advance legislation and oversight priorities; manage bills from idea to implementation.
• Draft plain-language summaries, hearing testimony, memos, and talking points; coordinate with counsel and agency staff on bill text and negotiations.
• Track hearings, deadlines, and deliverables; prepare the Council Member for briefings, votes, and negotiations.
• Build coalitions with advocates, labor, nonprofits, and industry stakeholders; secure expert testimony and community support.
• Monitor casework trends and district data to inform legislative and oversight agendas.

Communications

• Own a proactive and rapid-response communications strategy aligned to legislative, budget, and district priorities.
• Draft and edit press releases, advisories, statements, op-eds, speeches, email newsletters, and district materials.
• Manage press relationships; pitch stories; staff interviews; prepare media briefs and Q&As.
• Oversee digital: content calendar, platform management, accessible copy, graphics coordination, and analytics.
• Ensure message discipline, brand consistency, and timely approvals; support event messaging and public materials.

Community & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as primary liaison for designated community groups and policy areas; attend evening meetings as needed.
• Maintain high-trust relationships with community boards, tenant groups, schools, faith communities, small businesses, and service providers.
• Translate feedback into policy, oversight, and communications actions.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of policy experience in government, advocacy, campaigns, or nonprofit/public sector work.
• Demonstrated strength in legal/policy research, data analysis, persuasive writing, and coalition organizing.
• Track record managing complex projects to deadlines and navigating multi-stakeholder negotiations.
• Meticulous attention to detail; ability to give and receive feedback constructively.
• Willingness to work some evenings/weekends for hearings, events, and rapid response.
• NYC residency at hire or within 90 days.
• (Nice to have) Familiarity with District 34 communities, stakeholders, and issues.
• (Nice to have) Experience with childcare, maternal health and education

Attributes We Value

• Strategic, solutions-oriented problem-solver (who genuinely enjoys a good puzzle).
• Clear, compelling writer and editor with strong judgment.
• Calm under pressure; collaborative; values-driven; community-rooted.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience.
• Government benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage; paid time off; retirement (401k); and commuter benefits.
• Must be a NYC resident, or a NYC resident within 90 days of starting

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

To Apply

Fill out this Google form: https://forms.gle/t5iBXPHZNXUASG3e9

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.