Legislative and Budget Aide

The Office of New York City Council Member Erik Bottcher is seeking a Legislative and Budget Aide to join our dynamic team. This position plays a key role in advancing the Council Member’s policy agenda, managing budget initiatives, engaging with advocates and stakeholders, and supporting land use negotiations in one of the most vibrant and complex districts in New York City.

We are looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is passionate about public service, and can balance big-picture strategy with detail-oriented execution. Background in government or service to an elected official is a strong plus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Legislation: Draft, advance, and secure passage of bills sponsored by the Council Member, including building co-sponsorship, developing stakeholder support, creating educational/promotional materials, and tracking legislative progress.
  
   
• Budget Management: Administer allocations for in-district capital projects and community organizations, while providing research and policy support on the citywide budget process.
  
   
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with advocates, community leaders, lobbyists, and government officials to advance policy and budget priorities.
  
   
• Public Events: Plan rallies, press conferences, and public events in support of legislative and budget initiatives.
  
   
• Land Use: Manage and facilitate negotiations on rezonings and other land use applications in the district that come before the Council.
  
  Office Support: Contribute to overall office operations, including constituent services, weekend/evening community events, answering phones, and casework assistance as needed.
  
   
• Communications: Prepare public-facing content, talking points, briefing memos, and data to support the Council Member’s speeches and advocacy.
  
   
• Coalition Building: Serve as point of contact for caucuses and delegations in which the Council Member participates.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage advocates, administration officials, policy staff, and community stakeholders.
  
   
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
  
   
• Deep interest in New York City government, with willingness to master legislative and budget processes.
  
   
• Experience in land use, policy, community organizing, public service, or urban planning preferred.
  
   
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
  
   
• Calm under pressure and adaptable in a high-stakes, fast-moving political environment.
  
   
• Exceptional writing and verbal skills, with ability to synthesize and explain complex issues.
  
   
• Strong research, data analysis, and coalition-building abilities.
  
   
• Creative, strategic thinker with problem-solving skills.
  
  Commitment to equity and passion for improving the lives of all New Yorkers.
  
   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. A retirement plan, deferred compensation plans, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources are also available.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to:

Email: district3@council.nyc.gov

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday