Policy Director

Office of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
59 Maiden Lane, Manhattan, NY 10038
Posted 

Job Description

Policy Director

  • OFFICE OF RACIAL EQUITY
Posted On: 03/13/2026
  • Full-Time
Location
MANHATTAN
  • No Exam Required
Department
Program Staff

Salary Range:
$58,700.00 – $120,000.00

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Job Description

Salary:

The City of New York Mayor’s Office of Equity & Racial Justice’s compensation package includes a market competitive salary and exceptional benefits. Our cash compensation range for this role is $100,000-$120,000. Final offers will vary based on candidate experience and expertise, and other factors.



The Problems You’ll Solve:

As a senior leader reporting to the Deputy Commissioner, the Policy Director will play a lead role in designing and institutionalizing the policy engine of MOERJ. They will be responsible for the development and analysis of MOERJ’s policy priorities, as well as support implementation. They will work collaboratively with teams across the agency, interact with policy experts inside and outside of government, and directly managing one policy analyst.

This position offers the unique opportunity to steward foundational work while cultivating new avenues for public impact in a mission-driven environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the development and analysis of MOERJ policy priorities, including policy strategies and positions related to MOERJ programs and communities served
  • Act as the central nexus for the agency’s policy ecosystem, leading cross-team coordination to harmonize different tracks into one framework that can help maximize collective impact
  • Develop annual legislative agenda and strategic roadmap for implementation, coordinating with appropriate staff across the agency
  • Leverage data and research to advocate for legislative changes and foster collaborative partnership across government
  • Serve as primary MOERJ liaison on Intergovernmental Affairs (IGA), collaborating with MOERJ colleagues and ensuring agency objectives are reflected in broader governmental agendas
  • Ensure policy positions are thoroughly researched, strategically assessed, and effectively championed with stakeholders
  • Support preparation for City Council testimony, proposals, and related materials, as needed
  • Prepare draft comments, position statements, and memoranda on proposed laws or regulations
  • Prepare draft responses to public inquiries related to agency policy priorities, as needed
  • Develop and/or deliver policy-related presentations and create public-facing briefs
  • Conduct in-depth research on policy impacts and interpret complex laws
  • Lead ongoing horizon scanning to identify and evaluate emerging policy innovations and best practices aligned with MOERJ’s mission; Curate and maintain in a knowledge repository that
supports policy work
  • Develop and maintain organizational tools to track relevant policy proposals, developing laws, and legislative/regulatory changes
  • Supervise and develop policy analyst reporting to them, meeting regularly to guide their work
  • Lead and participate in cross-divisional policy workgroups and initiatives
  • Collaborate and coordinate with MOERJ colleagues and/or other city offices on policy proposals
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with policy experts and governmental affairs leaders inside and outside of NYC government as well as support coalition building

RESEARCH PROJECTS COOR(MA)-MGR - 0527A


Minimum Qualifications


  • Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and five to seven (5-7) years of professional experience This must include at least three (3) years of professional experience developing,
analyzing, and implementing public policy
  • Relevant master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or other relevant degree (e.g. law), which can substitute for one to two (1-2) years of professional experience above, depending
on degree
  • Experience in legislative and regulatory analysis and knowledge of NYC, NYS and federal legislative and regulatory landscape
  • At least two to three (2-3) years of direct supervisory experience with strong leadership and management skills


Preferred Skills


About You: - Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and five to seven (5-7) years of professional experience This must include at least three (3) years of professional experience developing, analyzing, and implementing public policy - Relevant master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or other relevant degree (e.g. law), which can substitute for one to two (1-2) years of professional experience above, depending on degree - Experience in legislative and regulatory analysis and knowledge of NYC, NYS and federal legislative and regulatory landscape - At least two to three (2-3) years of direct supervisory experience with strong leadership and management skills - Demonstrated understanding of structural and systemic inequities and the strategies necessary to advance racial equity - Demonstrated commitment to advancing racial equity and justice as well as prior experience applying equity frameworks - Experience developing, analyzing, and implementing complex policies working with many stakeholders - Knowledge of and experience with city agencies and city government systems is a strong plus - Experience working with teams to set an agenda and strategy as well as hold themselves accountable - Upholds respectful, accountable, and inclusive interactions and open to learning, feedback, and growth - Takes initiative and has strong problem-solving skills, including creativity in addressing complex challenges - Process oriented, with ability to prioritize tasks, establish timelines, manage multiple projects, and deliver results, while remaining adaptable in a dynamic environment - Exceptional written and verbal communication, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills - Ability to work well in diverse and multi-generational team environments, as well as a strong and enthusiastic work ethic - Experience cultivating and maintaining relationships as well as activating key stakeholders - Demonstrated understanding and commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility - Background living or working in communities facing historical oppression and systemic inequities - Demonstrated commitment, competency, and familiarity with issues affecting historically marginalized groups in NYC, such as Black, Indigenous, Latine, Asian, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, or LGBTQ+ communities

Public Service Loan Forgiveness


As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement


New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.

Additional Information


The City of New York 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.

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Job ID
608023
Posted until
04/11/2026
Title code
0527A
Civil service title
RESEARCH PROJECTS COOR(MA)-MGR
Title classification
Pending Classification-2
Business title
Policy Director
  • Experience Level:
    Manager
Job level
MY
Number of positions
1
Work location
59 Maiden Lane
  • Category:
    Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
Policy Director