Community Affairs Advocate

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. Reporting to the Deputy Director, Community Affairs, the Community Affairs Advocate is a core member of the Community Affairs Unit as a lead liaison for local stakeholders including but not limited to community boards, civic groups, community‑based organizations, religious and cultural centers, and elected officials.

With community engagement experience in diverse communities and existing relationships with local stakeholders, the Community Affairs Advocate will both identify key issues and implement campaigns and initiatives.

• Serve as the Public Advocate’s primary point person and representative in the Borough of Staten Island;
• Serve as the representative of the Office of the NYC Public Advocate at community meetings, press conferences, and other events and activities;
• Advise and staff the Public Advocate and First Deputy Public Advocate as needed, at coordinated borough‑based events;
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local stakeholders;
• Maintain working knowledge of community issues and relevant stakeholders;
• Collaborate with members of the community engagement unit on citywide campaigns and initiatives, as approved;
• Engage and educate communities about office initiatives, services, and provide information about the functions of the Office of Public Advocate;
• Disseminate borough and issue‑specific news and event information;
• Draft reports, briefings, and correspondence relative to community events and, critical and emerging issues/news in the respective borough as requested;
• Additional tasks as assigned

• Demonstrated experience with community engagement, grassroots organizing, or advocacy work.
• Strong relationships with local Staten Island elected officials, community leaders and stakeholders.
• Experience working with diverse communities and including their contributions in an intentional and meaningful way.
• Deep engagement with communities and activists is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of systemic and institutional bias, root cause analysis, and the generation impact within our City.
• Familiarity with the structure and function of city and state government offices and agencies.
• Keen attention to details.
• Bilingual/multilingual proficiency desired.
• Appreciation of New York City’s diverse communities.
• Ability to distill and articulate complex issues.
• Strong writing and communications skills.
• Ability to maintain composure under extreme pressure situations.
• Ability to multi‑task in a high‑pressure environment.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid NYS Driver’s License is required.

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.