Policy Advisor – Social Resiliency Planning

The Policy Advisor is a key member of ORR’s Social and Economic Resiliency

(SER) team which develops and implements initiatives to a) strengthen community and small

business preparedness planning, b) support and expand sustainability and environmental

quality of life programming, and c) promote social cohesion. This team also implements

strategies to mitigate and adapt to health risks related to rising temperatures and the urban heat

island effect. This position reports to the Deputy Director for Social and Economic Resiliency

and will support the development, management and implementation of climate mitigation and

adaptation policies and programs that enhance the resiliency and environmental quality of life of

New Yorkers. The Policy Advisor will also work closely and collaboratively with staff across

ORR, the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability, and multiple agency partners to effectively advance

the team’s policy priorities with key stakeholders, to ensure relevant policy and program goals

are aligned, and to achieve increased cooperation for community resiliency to extreme weather

and other climate hazards. This position will also represent ORR in relevant meetings with

external stakeholders, including community groups, funding organizations and other local and

State partners.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:


Develop, implement, and manage discrete initiatives of the SER team, as outlined in the
“Neighborhoods” chapter of OneNYC.


Support efforts to identify and secure funding from City, philanthropic and other relevant
sources, including conducting research and preparing grant proposals to support current

and future team initiatives and projects.


Support the development of policy and initiatives by conducting data analysis and
research, drafting relevant reports and memos, and providing support on relevant

legislative and City Council-related tasks and queries.


Quantitatively and qualitatively assess policies and agency initiatives on an ongoing basis
to develop appropriate responses and recommendations and formulate team positions.


Foster relationships with community organizations, government agencies and others to
develop positive relationships and networks and to advance program implementation.


Identify and coordinate new opportunities to facilitate community-based planning and
initiatives that enhance social cohesion and community preparedness, including fostering

relationships with external stakeholders and City agencies such as NYC Housing

Authority, Department of Cultural Affairs, Department for the Aging, and Department of

City Planning, and examine the potential role and application of public-private

partnerships.


Assess existing and research new policies, incentives and other mechanisms at the City,
State and Federal level to support the enhancement of social cohesion, including

identifying opportunities to apply them in the NYC context.


Support public engagement efforts; assisting in organizing meetings with internal and
external partners, and community groups (occasionally on weekends and evenings).


Assist with special projects as needed, and lead other duties, as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND/OR SKILLS:


A bachelor’s degree with 3 to 5 years of relevant, full-time professional work experience.


A background in public policy, law, urban planning, sustainability management,
emergency preparedness and recovery planning, community planning, or program

development for community-based organizations.


An understanding of climate change, community adaptation planning, and an awareness
of existing national, state and local policies and trends aimed at supporting resilient and

sustainable communities. Familiarity with New York City and its communities a plus.


Demonstrated experience with building relationships with community stakeholders and in
coordinating projects involving multiple constituents.


Demonstrated presentation, research and data analysis skills including the ability to
gather and synthesize large amounts of information and to focus quickly on the essence

of an issue. Familiarity with Excel and PowerPoint, experience working with datasets,

and proficiency in analytical software and geographic information systems (GIS) a plus.


Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate
technical information into accessible forms. Clear, effective writing style is a must.


Excellent organizational, project management and interpersonal skills.


Ability to complete work independently with broadly defined work objectives.


Willingness to travel in the 5 boroughs and work after hours or on weekends, as required.


Fluency in a second language a plus.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

TO APPLY: Please submit a one-page cover letter, resume, and 3 references to Candidate

Application.

New York City Residency Is Required Within 90 Days Of Appointment

The City Of New York And The Office Of The Mayor Are Equal Opportunity Employers