Employment Opportunities

Committee Director

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-SD26) has an immediate opening for a Committee Director based in his Albany office. Strong interpersonal/communications skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and capacity to work on/undertake multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously are a must. The selected candidate will report directly to the Chief of Staff and Senior Policy and Legislative Director.

Core responsibilities include:

  • Assisting in the execution of the legislative agenda including bill drafting, introduction, and policy research for bill ideas 

  • Running the Budget & Revenue Committee, including tracking bills in committee, preparing agendas, drafting reports, and organizing hearings and roundtables 

  • Developing a thorough understanding of tax policy, including by tracking key legislative developments at the federal level 

  • Drafting analysis of bills in other committees the Senator serves on as well as on floor agendas to recommend votes and cosponsorships 

  • Drafting memos for a daily briefing folder to prepare the Senator for external meetings 

  • Serving as the primary liaison between the Senator and various lobbyists, advocacy groups, and issue-based coalitions 

  • Assisting in handling budget requests and allocations, both capital requests and operating funds

  • Drafting long-form policy memos on a range of topics as needed

  • Conducing research to assist members of the team in drafting responses to legislative inquiries from our general inbox

  • Regular attendance and participation in structured legislative team meetings

  • Administrative support such as submission of cosponsorship requests, e-signatures, spreadsheet maintenance, and minor logistical support for lobby days (i.e. room reservations)

  • Supervision of Albany-based legislative session assistants and fellows

  • Other duties as assigned by the Senator, Chief of Staff, and Senior Policy and Legislative Director

Additional Qualifications

  • Extremely strong reading and writing skills; must be able to thoroughly research a given topic and distill key points for the Senator and senior staff

  • A proactive self-starter who takes initiative, follows through, and cares about results

  • Albany legislative experience; minimum of two legislative sessions preferred

  • Strong interest in and passion for revenue and tax policy

  • Highly diligent and attentive to detail

  • Exemplary political judgment 

  • Must be a team player and ready to deliver constituent services 

  • Ability to work long hours during session, including evenings and weekends

  • JD candidates encouraged to apply

Salary

Salary range starts at $70,000 per year and is commensurate with experience. The positions come with an excellent benefits package including health, dental, optical, and retirement benefits.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, and references if you would like to provide them at this stage of the process, as a single document in PDF format to tori@senatorgounardes.nyc. 

All applications will be kept confidential. The New York State Senate is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse and equitable workforce. 

Part Time Community Liaison

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes (D-SD26) has an immediate opening for a Part Time Community Liaison based in his district office. Strong interpersonal/communications skills, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and capacity to work on/undertake multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously are a must. The selected candidate will work closely with senior members of the Senator’s district office, as well as senior staff of other elected officials and organizations.  

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

  • Handling constituent cases and following up with appropriate agencies to see case through

  • Act as a liaison and go to person between members of the community, city agencies and the Senator 

  • Attend community meetings and events on nights and weekends to provide information about and promote the Senator’s initiatives to address issues and concerns 

  • Remain current on the Senator’s legislative and policy agenda and serve as a resource regarding those issues for the local community and colleagues

  • Other duties as assigned by the Senator and senior staff

The ability to communicate in multiple languages is highly desirable.

Salary

Salary range starts at 30,000 per year and is commensurate with experience. The positions come with an excellent benefits package including health, dental, optical, and retirement benefits.

To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, and writing sample, and references if you would like to provide them at this stage of the process, as a single document in PDF format to tori@senatorgounardes.nyc. 

All applications will be kept confidential. The New York State Senate is an equal opportunity employer that values a diverse and equitable workforce.