Housing Equity Associate

Job description

The Public Advocate, an independently elected public official, serves as a direct link between city government and residents, acting as a “watchdog” for New Yorkers. The Public Advocate is a non-voting member of the New York City Council, an ex officio member of all Council committees and introduces and co-sponsors legislation. The Public Advocate serves on various City committees and appoints members to several boards and commissions. The Office of the Public Advocate reviews and investigates residents’ complaints about City services and administrative actions, assists people having difficulty receiving City services, assesses whether City agencies are responsive to the public, and recommends legislative or policy proposals to address identified service deficiencies. The Office of the New York City Public Advocate for the City of New York seeks a Housing Equity Associate to support its mission of advancing equitable housing policy and community-centered advocacy initiatives. Reporting to the Deputy Public Advocate for Housing Equity, the Associate will assist with organizing strategies, policy research, stakeholder engagement, and rapid response efforts related to housing equity. This role requires strong analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills, and offers an opportunity to contribute to citywide advocacy in a fast-paced public service environment. Responsibilities: Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations -Build and maintain effective working relationships with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, nonprofit partners, tenant associations, and other stakeholders in housing issue areas. -Represent the Office at community meetings, hearings, forums, and stakeholder convenings, including evenings and weekends. -Staff the Public Advocate at public, community, and official events as needed. -Support the execution of organizing strategies aligned with the Public Advocate’s citywide priorities and policy agenda. -Collaborate with the Constituent Services team to identify recurring housing-related concerns and inform broader advocacy initiatives. Policy Research and Issue Monitoring -Monitor local media, legislative developments, and agency actions related to housing policy, tenant protections, land use, and equity initiatives. -Conduct research and draft written briefings, memoranda, and issue summaries to inform internal strategy and decision-making. -Identify emerging housing issues and trends and contribute to the development of responsive policy recommendations and action plans. -Assist in preparing reports, fact sheets, and stakeholder communications related to housing advocacy initiatives. Rapid Response Coordination -Assist in coordinating rapid response efforts during housing-related emergencies or time-sensitive developments. -Support cross-team communication to ensure timely and informed engagement. -Track ongoing housing crises and contribute to both immediate and long-term strategic responses. Preferred Qualifications: -Demonstrated experience in community engagement, organizing, advocacy, public service, or related work (including internships or volunteer service). -Foundational knowledge of housing policy issues and an understanding of systemic and institutional inequities affecting New York City communities. -Familiarity with New York City and New York State government structures and agencies preferred. -Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information clearly and concisely. -Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a high-pressure environment. -Professional demeanor and sound judgment in handling sensitive matters. -Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed. -Bilingual or multilingual proficiency preferred. -Active New York State driver’s license preferred. -Local travel throughout the five boroughs of New York City is required. -Ability to attend meetings, hearings, community events, and other official functions, including evenings and weekends. -Work will be performed in both office and community-based settings. ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLIC ADVOCA - 94497 Qualifications: -Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in public policy, urban studies, political science, social sciences, or a related field. 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.