New York City Council

Compensation

Full Description

The Office of Council Member Darlene Mealy, representing District 41, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief of Staff to serve as the senior manager and principal advisor to the Council Member. The Chief of Staff oversees the day-to-day operations of both the district and legislative offices and plays a critical leadership role in advancing the Council Member’s legislative, policy, budgetary, and community engagement priorities. The Chief of Staff will manage office operations, supervise staff, coordinate strategic initiatives, and serve as a liaison between the Council Member, constituents, city agencies, community stakeholders, and elected officials. This position requires exceptional leadership, sound judgment, political acumen, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced public service environment. The Chief of Staff directly supervises and supports a multidisciplinary team that may include the Communications Director, Legislative Director, Budget Director, Constituent Liaisons, Office Manager, Scheduler, and interns. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES • Serve as the Council Member’s primary strategic advisor and operational lead, overseeing office priorities, constituent services, outreach and engagement efforts, budget coordination, and overall office management. • Manage the day-to-day operations of the district and legislative offices to ensure efficient workflow, responsiveness, and alignment with the Council Member’s priorities. • Lead all personnel functions, including recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, supervision, performance management, staff development, and evaluations. • Build and maintain collaborative relationships with City agencies, City Council leadership and central staff, and the offices of state, federal, and local elected officials. • Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with constituents, community boards, advocacy organizations, nonprofit partners, and other key stakeholders. • Represent the Council Member at meetings, public events, Community Board meetings, and stakeholder engagements as needed. • Oversee constituent services and external communications, ensuring inquiries and concerns are addressed professionally, efficiently, and effectively. • Review and approve communications materials, including press releases, newsletters, social media content, speeches, and briefing documents to ensure consistency and accuracy. • Coordinate with the Scheduler and senior staff to manage the Council Member’s schedule and ensure preparation for hearings, meetings, events, and public appearances. • Collaborate with the Budget Director on the annual discretionary funding process, including outreach to community-based organizations, schools, and nonprofits regarding funding opportunities and community needs. • Lead strategic planning efforts and oversee cross-functional office initiatives and special projects. • Ensure compliance with Council policies, procedures, and administrative requirements. • Perform Other Duties as Assigned. QUALIFICATION: • Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with exceptional written and verbal communication abilities. • Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex operations in a fast-paced environment. • Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political sensitivity in handling confidential and high-profile matters. • Proven ability to build sustainable systems, manage multiple priorities, and drive projects to successful completion. • Minimum of three (3) years of experience managing staff and supporting senior leadership, preferably in government, public affairs, community engagement, nonprofit management, or related fields. • Familiarity with New York City government, legislative processes, budgeting, and City agencies preferred. • Experience with constituent services, policymaking, community engagement, and stakeholder relations are strongly preferred. • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities and constituencies. • Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary. 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. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs 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 EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov. HOW TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to: E-MAIL: KTavares@council.nyc.gov MAIL: New York City Council Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (COS45) 250 Broadway, 26th Floor New York, New York 10007 FAX: 12124014711 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. Pay: $90,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year Work Location: In person