Legislative and Budget Aide

Austin Community College; New York (NY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

A city legislative office in New York City seeks a candidate to support the Council Member’s legislative work, including drafting bills, managing budgets, and engaging with community stakeholders. Candidates should have strong interpersonal and organizational skills, a passion for public service, and the ability to work flexible hours. The role allows for direct involvement in policy-making and community initiatives aimed at improving the lives of all New Yorkers. Health benefits and retirement plans are available.

Qualifications

• Deep interest in New York City government and willingness to master legislative and budget processes.
• Experience in land use, policy, community organizing, public service, or urban planning preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Draft and advance bills, build co-sponsorship, and develop stakeholder support.
• Administer budget allocations and provide research support.
• Engage with community leaders and advocates to support policy priorities.
• Plan and manage public events supporting legislative initiatives.

Skills

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Strong organizational skills

Research and data analysis abilities

Creative strategic thinking

Job description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Legislation: Draft, advance, and secure passage of bills sponsored by the Council Member, including building co-sponsorship, developing stakeholder support, creating educational/promotional materials, and tracking legislative progress.
• Budget Management: Administer allocations for in-district capital projects and community organizations, while providing research and policy support on the citywide budget process.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with advocates, community leaders, lobbyists, and government officials to advance policy and budget priorities.
• Public Events: Plan rallies, press conferences, and public events in support of legislative and budget initiatives.
• Land Use: Manage and facilitate negotiations on rezonings and other land use applications in the district that come before the Council. Office Support: Contribute to overall office operations, including constituent services, weekend/evening community events, answering phones, and casework assistance as needed.
• Communications: Prepare public-facing content, talking points, briefing memos, and data to support the Council Member’s speeches and advocacy.
• Coalition Building: Serve as point of contact for caucuses and delegations in which the Council Member participates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage advocates, administration officials, policy staff, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Deep interest in New York City government, with willingness to master legislative and budget processes.
• Experience in land use, policy, community organizing, public service, or urban planning preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Calm under pressure and adaptable in a high‑stakes, fast‑moving political environment.
• Exceptional writing and verbal skills, with ability to synthesize and explain complex issues.
• Strong research, data analysis, and coalition‑building abilities.
• Creative, strategic thinker with problem‑solving skills.
• Commitment to equity and passion for improving the lives of all New Yorkers.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. A retirement plan, deferred compensation plans, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources are also available.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [e-mail].

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.