New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh: Legislative Counsel

LOCATION

SALARY

COMPANY

DEPARTMENT

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Office of New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh seeks an experienced Legislative Counsel to join our team. Senator Kavanagh chairs the Committee on Housing, Construction, and Community Development and leads an ambitious and progressive legislative and policy portfolio focused on housing, environmental sustainability, energy, and gun violence prevention, as well as various issues related to effectively representing 320,000 constituents in Lower Manhattan.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Developing and driving an ambitious, progressive legislative, budgetary, and policy agenda in collaboration with the Senator, staff colleagues, other elected and government officials, constituents, and advocacy organizations;

• Researching, drafting, and advancing legislative, budgetary, and policy issues through the legislative process;

• Leading advocacy strategies, building and managing coalitions, negotiating with stakeholders, advocates, and colleagues in and out of government;

• Representing the office and staffing the Senator at meetings and public events;

• Assisting in the management of legislative fellows and interns;

• Drafting correspondence, briefings, talking points, presentations, and other materials as needed.

Required Qualifications:

• J.D. or similar advanced degree;

• Significant experience with legislation or public policy, ideally state-level legislative, budgetary, and policymaking processes;

• Demonstrated commitment to public service;

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a very high level of attention to detail;

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative, identify and act upon issues in a fast-paced environment, manage multiple priorities, maintain composure under pressure, and build relationships with key stakeholders;

• Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills;

• Ability to work long hours, including evenings and some weekends as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with New York government and the Lower Manhattan neighborhoods comprising Senate District 27.

This position may be based in Albany with occasional travel to New York City as needed or based in New York City with travel to Albany for legislative session days and other occasions.

To apply, candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and writing samples to [email protected]. Please do not apply through a third-party website. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Personal, sick, and vacation time, as well as paid state holidays

• State pension and deferred compensation plan

• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance

• Health savings account

• Pre-tax transit benefit

The New York State Senate is an equal opportunity employer.