New York City Council

Legislative and Communications Assistant

BROOKLYN, NYPosted a month ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from New York City Council

  • Job overview

    The Legislative and Communications Assistant supports the NYC Councilmember's office by managing communications and conducting legislative research to impact public policy and community engagement.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The role involves managing social media, designing graphics, writing newsletters, promoting events, researching legislation, preparing memos, monitoring hearings, and tracking legislation status to support the Councilmember's initiatives.

  • Compensation and benefits

    The salary range is $57,000 to $60,000 with healthcare and retirement benefits through NYC government employment, plus opportunities for hands-on experience in public policy and communications.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates should be bilingual in Spanish and English, skilled in written communication, proficient in Canva and email platforms like Mailchimp, with an interest in NYC government and public policy; ability to work independently is essential.

  • Career development

    The position offers opportunities to gain practical experience in public policy and political communications within a government setting.

  • Work environment and culture

    The job is full-time and in-person in the Councilmember's district office, with occasional evening or weekend community events, reflecting a politically engaged and service-oriented environment.

  • Company information

    The New York City Council is a government body responsible for legislative functions and community representation in NYC, offering stable employment with public sector benefits.

  • Team overview

    The assistant reports to the Director of Communications and Legislation, working closely with communications and legislative teams in a fast-paced office.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based in New York, NY, specifically in the Councilmember's district office, requiring in-person attendance.

  • Application process

    Applicants must submit a resume and a writing sample such as a press release or policy memo to apply.

  • Unique job features

    This role uniquely combines communications and legislative research responsibilities, requiring bilingual skills and proficiency in digital communication tools like Canva and Mailchimp.

Company overview

The New York City Council is the legislative body of New York City, responsible for passing local laws, approving the city budget, and overseeing city agencies. It consists of 51 members representing different districts across the five boroughs. The Council plays a critical role in shaping policies on issues such as housing, education, and public safety. Established in 1938, it has evolved to become a platform for diverse voices and community representation, making it a pivotal institution in the governance of New York City.

How to land this job

  • Tailor your resume to highlight bilingual fluency in English and Spanish, emphasizing both oral and written communication skills to meet the preferred language requirement.

  • Showcase your experience with social media management, specifically mentioning platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X, along with proficiency in Canva for creating engaging graphics and flyers.

  • Include relevant skills in drafting and distributing newsletters using tools such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact, as well as any experience with press release writing or public messaging.

  • Demonstrate your ability to conduct legislative research, prepare memos, and monitor city council activities, highlighting your understanding of public policy and community advocacy in New York City.

  • Apply through multiple channels including the official New York City Council careers page and LinkedIn to maximize your application visibility.

  • Connect on LinkedIn with current members of the NYC Council communications and legislative teams; use ice breakers like commenting on recent council initiatives or asking about their experience working on community engagement projects.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'bilingual', 'social media management', 'Canva', 'legislative research', 'Mailchimp', and 'policy memo'.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify multiple application portals, and find LinkedIn contacts for networking, saving valuable time and increasing your chances of landing the role.

Jennie Johnson works for you!

Here’s what we do to make sure you’re successful:

  • Targeted Resume Revamp:

    We expertly craft your resume to navigate Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and showcase your qualifications, making you stand out as a top-tier candidate.

  • Job Description Dissection:

    Unpack the job posting with expert analysis, ensuring your application hits every key requirement.

  • Bespoke Cover Letter:

    Capture the attention of hiring managers with a personalized cover letter that highlights how your skills align perfectly with the job's needs.

  • Interview Mastery:

    Prepare for interviews like a pro with likely questions, strategic answers, and insightful questions for you to ask, setting you apart as an informed candidate.

  • Direct Application Insights:

    Receive tailored advice on the best places to apply, ensuring your applications are seen by the right employers.

  • Skills and Gaps Assessment:

    Identify and close critical skills gaps to position yourself as the best-fit candidate for your ideal job.

  • Personalized Email Pitch:

    Make a memorable first impression with an email template crafted to engage potential employers and initiate meaningful conversations.

  • In-depth Research Guide:

    Leverage comprehensive research tools to gather effective insights on companies, industry trends, and role-specific challenges.

  • Detailed Company Analysis:

    Gain in-depth understanding of your prospective employer, giving you the edge in applications and interviews.

  • Strategic Candidate Overview:

    Understand your unique value and why companies would want to interview you, highlighting your background and positioning.