Deputy Chief of Staff

Position: Deputy Chief of Staff – New York State Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas (District 34, Queens)

Location: District Office in East Elmhurst, Queens (with travel to Albany during legislative session)

Salary: $74,000 (travel and lodging for Albany covered)

About the Role

A progressive New York State Assembly Member representing one of the most diverse communities in the state is seeking a dedicated, experienced, and visionary Deputy Chief of Staff to play a pivotal role in supporting the strategic vision for the office, driving legislative and policy initiatives, managing Communications staff and legislative interns, and, in partnership with Chief of Staff, serving as one of the Assembly Member’s key political thought partners.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Legislative Oversight

• Develop and implement a bold, progressive legislative and policy agenda aligned with social justice priorities.
• In partnership with the Chief of Staff, serve as the Assembly Member’s senior advisor on political strategy, coalition-building, and issue advocacy.
• Oversee the drafting, introduction, analysis, and advancement of legislative priorities; work with the Chief of Staff on shared strategy and division of labor to advance the Assembly Member’s bills.
• Supervise and mentor Communications staff and legislative interns, fostering a high-performing and solutions-oriented team.
• Co-create and support the implementation of communications strategies to advance key legislative priorities.

Political & Community Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with local, state, and national coalitions to advance legislative and district priorities.
• Represent the Assembly Member at key political, advocacy, and community events, legislative caucus, and task force meetings.
• In partnership with the Chief of Staff, coordinate and execute district-based initiatives, including town halls, press events, and policy roundtables.

Operations & Management

• Oversee Albany interns and staff, ensuring the office is efficient and effective in meeting with advocates, community organizations, governmental officials, labor unions, and constituents. 
• Manage operations, workflows, priorities, and deadlines in the Albany office.
• Oversee the scheduling of Albany and legislative events and functions. Work in partnership with the Chief of Staff to ensure cohesive calendar and event workflow. 
• Attend and staff Assembly Member at Albany events.

Ideal Candidate

• Deep commitment to progressive social justice policy issues and a track record of advocating for equity and inclusion.
• Strong legislative experience, with an understanding of the New York State legislative process.
• Experience with supervising staff, with the ability to develop and manage a small team.
• Assertive, solutions-oriented, and visionary, with a strong work ethic.
• Strong connections to coalitions and advocacy groups across the state.
• Ability to travel to Albany during the entire legislative session and work flexible hours as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary of $74,000, with travel and lodging to Albany covered during the legislative session.
• Comprehensive benefits provided by New York State, including:
• Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision).
• Retirement benefits, including participation in the New York State pension system.
• Paid time off, including holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, sample policy memo, and 3 references to gonzalezrojasj@nyassembly.gov with ‘Deputy Chief of Staff Job’ in the subject line. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, and gender identities to apply.

The New York State Assembly is an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, uniform service member status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, LGBTQ persons, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply