Job DescriptionThe Agency You’ll Join: November 2022, New York City voters overwhelmingly approved three ballot proposals that put racial equity and justice at the heart of city government, including a new Commission on Racial Equity (CORE).The first of its kind in the nation, the new Commission on Racial Equity is a new independent 15-member commission responsible for engaging diverse communities to advance racial equity in government operations and increase community voice in government decision making. CORE provides accountability for New Yorkers, regularly evaluating the City’s progress on its racial equity plan, requirements, and goals. CORE will be composed of diverse New Yorkers with equity expertise and/or relevant lived experience, serving as a conduit to bring historically excluded communities and voices into government decision-making.The Team You’ll Work With: CORE is an independent commission composed of 15 commissioners, including one Chair & Executive Director, jointly appointed by the Mayor and New York City Council Speaker. Other CORE commissioners will be appointed by the Mayor, City Council Speaker, City Comptroller, and Public Advocate. City officials appointing commissioners to CORE are required to consider individuals that represent or have advocated for historically excluded voices, including people with lived experience of marginalization and individuals who have never served on a government board or commission before.Commission on Racial Equity staff are responsible for executing the day-to-day mission and establishing its path to success. They will take the vision of the Chair & Executive Director and the Commissioners and translate it into action strategies and plans that implement accountability for racial equity in the city. Like the Commission itself, the Commission’s staff aims to be representative of New Yorkers from all communities and walks of life. Staff will bring an accountability mindset into their work, ensuring that they are collaborating with city agencies and voicing public concerns.The Problems You’ll Solve The Commission on Racial Equity seeks a Senior Legislative Strategist, reporting directly to the General Counsel. As a member of the team, you will provide direction that enables the Commission to successfully carry out the policy work and larger transformational change for the racial justice ballot measures approved by NYC voters. Legislative Strategy – In collaboration with General Counsel you will lead the implementation the fifth charter mandate, which is to respond to requests to the speaker of city council and council committees on matters related to racial equity concerns. The Senior Legislative Strategist will lead the implementation of tools included but not limited to the Racial Equity Impact Assessments to assess new legislative proposals, and resolutions; design and implement a legislative agenda that reflects Community Equity Priorities.RESPONSIBILITIES
Leads CORE response to requests from Speaker of the council and council committees on matters related to racial equity.
Coordinates with and assists New York City and State Legislators with projects.
Assess existing and proposed legislation and resolutions from New York City and State Legislative Branch.
Provide regular legislative updates summarizing proposed and existing legislation, elected official activity.
Develop written deliverables, including talking points, one-pagers, letters, testimony, and other materials for CORE policymakers, commissioners, and staff.
Develops or implements any organizational tools needed to track strategic progress.
Draft legislative, rules, and regulations relating to Community Equity Priorities and matters related to racial equity.
Works with leaders across the City to build the legislative voice of the Commission.
Leverages relationships with policymakers to amplify CORE messages and legislative priorities.
Embeds racial equity and social justice practices and tools into the everyday functioning of the Commission.
About You
Commitment to racial equity and are willing to put in the hard work of changing whole systems in government.
Senior or management leadership experience.
An understanding of power, privilege, and oppression and how that shapes policy and legislation.
At least six (6) years of legal experience, including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.
Experience providing legislative counsel to senior leaders and city government experience is helpful.
At least six (6) years total professional experience.
Experience in community organizing and serving in an accountability or oversight body is a plus.
Licensed to practice law in New York.
Other formal education that is relevant can be helpful, such as in public administration, business administration, public policy, public health, ethnic studies, political economy, etc.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, social justice, and accessibility.
Background of living in, working within, or growing up as a member of communities facing historical oppression will contribute to your ability to guide the planning process.
Demonstrated commitment, competency and strong familiarity with issues affecting Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Pacific Islander communities in New York City, or other marginalized groups.
Familiarity with relevant substantive law, such as in public health, public safety, business, immigration, infrastructure, etc. is also a plus.
Technical skills or project management skills are a plus.
Salary The Commission on Racial Equity’s compensation package includes a market competitive salary and exceptional benefits. Our cash compensation range for this role is $110,000 -$120,000. Final offers may vary from the amount listed based on candidate experience and expertise, and other factors. Equal Opportunity | Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement The Commission on Racial Equity 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. The Commission upholds diversity in backgrounds and in experiences that is reflective of the city it serves. Applicants of all backgrounds and justice impacted, BIPOC, and Trans community are encouraged to apply.If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a veteran with a disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.QualificationsAdmission to the New York State Bar; and four years of recent full-time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience subsequent to admission to any bar, eighteen months of which must have been in the supervision of other attorneys, in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work. Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.Additional InformationThe 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.
