Description

The Role:

The Legislative & Budget Director oversees Council Member Shahana Hanif’s legislative, discretionary funding, and citywide budget portfolios. This role works closely with the Council Member, the District 39 team, government partners, constituents, and advocates to develop and advance progressive policies and budget priorities.

Major Responsibilities:

Legislation & Citywide Budget

• Lead the legislative drafting process, including submitting and activating LS Requests on IWOMM, directing drafting attorneys, incorporating stakeholder input, and managing bill introduction.
• Develop and execute bill strategy in collaboration with Member Staff, Committee Staff, and external stakeholders to advance legislation through hearings and passage.
• Build support for legislation by securing co-sponsorships, engaging Committee leadership and the Speaker’s Office, coordinating press strategy, and mobilizing advocates and constituents.
• Manage the “aging” process for bills in coordination with the Council Member, Legislative Division, City Legislative Affairs, and relevant agencies.
• Oversee implementation of enacted local laws in partnership with the Council Compliance Unit and City agencies.
• Advise the Council Member on policy and legislation through briefings and memos, including recommendations on co-sponsorships and voting decisions.
• Prepare the Council Member for Committee Hearings and Stated Meetings by drafting statements and questions, reviewing reports, and providing strategic guidance.
• Lead the Council Member’s work as Chair of the Committee on Disabilities, including coordination with Committee Staff, agencies, advocates, and directly impacted communities.
• Manage hearing development and execution, including topic selection, testimony coordination, Chair preparation, and collaboration with Communications on press and public engagement.
• Develop policy materials, lead rapid response efforts, and conduct site visits and fieldwork as needed.
• Advance citywide budget priorities in partnership with elected colleagues, central staff, and coalition partners to ensure inclusion in the Adopted Budget.
• Support work across caucuses, including the Progressive Caucus, Black, Latino and Asian Caucus, Women’s Caucus, and Animal Welfare Caucus.
• Manage relationships with elected officials, central staff, city agencies, and external stakeholders; draft intergovernmental correspondence and coordinate sign-on letters.
• Collaborate with office staff on street co-naming initiatives.
• Supervise the Legislative Fellow, including responding to constituent inquiries on policy issues.

Discretionary Budget

• Oversee the office’s capital and expense discretionary funding processes and manage annual allocation cycles.
• Design and implement systems for organizations to apply for discretionary funding.
• Track funding requests and engage with applicants throughout the budget process.
• Make funding recommendations to the Council Member.
• Coordinate with Central Staff to ensure applicants meet eligibility requirements.
• Work with Caucus Directors and Member offices to secure funding for office priorities.
• Provide technical assistance to awarded organizations and serve as liaison with City agencies to troubleshoot and advance awards.
• Partner with the Communications Director to share updates on budget priorities with constituents and the press.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Commitment to progressive public policy and a strong understanding of New York City government, the legislative process, and the city budget process.
  2–3 years of relevant experience in government, policy, advocacy, organizing, or a related field, preferably in New York City government or a legislative office.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills, including experience drafting memos, talking points, testimony, legislation, and correspondence.
• Experience developing policy proposals, legislative strategy, or advocacy campaigns.
• Strong interpersonal and coalition-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, advocates, agencies, and community members.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and exercise sound political judgment.
• Familiarity with the New York City budget process, discretionary funding, and/or government procurement is strongly preferred.
• Experience supervising interns, fellows, or junior staff is a plus.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage administrative and tracking systems effectively.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining clear communication and collaboration across teams.
• Commitment to accessibility, equity, and community-centered governance.
• Familiarity with District 39 neighborhoods and issues is a plus.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for hearings, community meetings, and events as needed.