Office of Senator Brian Kavanagh: Deputy Chief of Staff

250 Broadway NY

$60,000 - $70,000 / Yearly

Office of Senator Brian Kavanagh

Operations

Other

Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (you may also include references if you would like to provide them at this stage of the process) to [email protected], with [Your Name] - [Deputy Chief of Staff] in the subject line. Please do not apply through a third-party website. All applications will be kept confidential. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The New York State Senate is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. No calls please.

Senator Kavanagh chairs the Senate Housing Committee and is a leader in advancing solutions for the housing and homelessness crisis in the wake of the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining a long-term focus on effective, progressive approaches to housing, climate and environmental resiliency, gun violence prevention, public safety and justice, and many other policy areas.

We seek a Deputy Chief of Staff who will work closely with and report to the Chief of Staff and assist with all aspects of managing the office. From overseeing some of the most pressing community issues and assisting with the Senator’s schedule, to providing guidance on the Senator’s online presence and collaborating on projects with the legislative team, the Deputy Chief of Staff will have the opportunity to work across teams and have a wide-ranging impact.

The job is based in our District Office in New York City, and candidates must be willing to work evenings on rare occasions to help cover important meetings and events.

**Primary Responsibilities**
- Manage high-priority community and legislative projects, in conjunction with Chief of Staff, that reflect the Senator’s strategic goals and serve his constituents and/or New York State.
- Anticipate, identify, and troubleshoot issues of concern or significance; exercise discretion to provide timely information and necessary updates across multiple stakeholders.
- Lead staff meetings and other management-related tasks in Chief of Staff’s absence.
- Assist Senator’s scheduler with setting meetings, responding to media inquiries, and other timely requests.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with constituents, community leaders, other elected and government offices, and advocacy organizations.
- Represent the office and staff the Senator at various meetings and events.
- Draft and edit internal and external communications, including correspondence, briefings, and talking points.
- Plan, organize, and lead occasional events.

**Required Qualifications**
- Experience building and maintaining relationships; respecting and valuing diversity.
- Ability to multitask and manage projects from inception to conclusion, set and meet internal and external deadlines, and work in a fast-paced government office.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and communicate with sensitivity.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
- Ability to use Microsoft and Google platforms, particularly Google Docs and Sheets.
- A willingness to take initiative, and identify and act on issues.

**Preferred Qualifications**
- Familiarity with New York government and/or public institutions, especially the role of elected officials’ offices.
- Familiarity with the neighborhoods comprising Senate District 27.
- Familiarity with the issues that comprise most of the Senator’s legislative portfolio, including housing, the environment, and gun violence prevention.