Legislative Research Analyst, Bureau of Government Affairs

About the role

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (The Health Department) protects and promotes the health of eight million New Yorkers with a budget of $2 billion, and roughly 7,000 staff. Central to this effort are programs that combat communicable diseases, expand access to health care, provide maternal health support, surveil human health conditions from chronic disease to mental health and substance use issues, and tackle other public health challenges. Pursuing effective public health policy is also vital to this work.

Responsibilities

• Research, track, and analyze legislation and coordinate the department's response in areas that may include mental hygiene, budget, or other program areas as needed.
• Prepare executive-level leadership in the agency for public hearings and meetings with elected officials.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with other organizational units within the Health Department and other key partners.
• Aid in developing and implementing legislative strategies.
• Serve as a liaison to the Mayor's Office by representing the Department's position on public health issues and coordinating with internal partners.
• Investigate and respond to elected officials' requests regarding general information on Health Department programs or actions.
• Develop briefing materials and other content with research data and reports for the city council, state legislature, and federal government.
• Maintain other internal unit and/or division organizational systems.

Requirements

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent analytical, political, and writing skills.
• Experience working in government and/or intergovernmental/legislative affairs.
• Academic background in political science, public policy, public health, or related field.
• Spreadsheet, Airtable, and data-tracking skills.

Must be self-motivated, able to work on multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and share the agency's commitment to public health.

Qualifications

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following qualifications:

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• For Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have: A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/).
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as: a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment. additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund. a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement. a tax-deferred savings program and a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

Policies

• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
• Job Security: you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.