Have a passion for public policy, knack for numbers, and interest in effective government?

The Citizens Budget Commission could use your help. Open positions are listed below. We offer competitive benefits and are currently a hybrid workplace.

Cover letter is required of all positions listed.

DIRECTOR OF CITY STUDIES

DIRECTOR OF TRUSTEE RELATIONS

WORKING AT CITIZENS BUDGET COMMISSION

DIRECTOR OF CITY STUDIES

Applications without cover letters will not be reviewed.

The Citizens Budget Commission (CBC), New York’s leading nonpartisan, nonprofit, independent fiscal and policy think tank and watchdog, seeks a Director of City Studies (“Director”) to lead research and make practical and forward-thinking recommendations to improve New York City’s financial management, labor relations, and service efficiency and quality, including sanitation, homelessness, education, and more. Join CBC to help New York make clear-eyed decisions at this pivotal moment. 

Reporting to the Vice President for Research and working collaboratively with the Director of State Studies and the Director of Housing and Economic Development Studies, the Director will be an accomplished researcher or government professional with strong strategic, analytic, and communication skills responsible for managing CBC’s New York City policy and services portfolio and advocating effectively for fiscal, policy, and service delivery reforms. The Director will oversee research and monitoring of City government; be critical to the development of CBC’s City agenda; manage research staff and interns; be responsible for the drafting of reports, briefs, blogs and statements; and influence City policy with regular communications with elected and appointed officials, the policy community, and the press.   

The Director of City Studies will: 

• Develop a research and advocacy agenda to influence constructive change in the finances, services, operations, and competitiveness of New York City;
• Perform in-depth analysis of the budget, finances, policies, and services of the City; 
• Author evidence-based research publications; 
• Supervise research staff in analytical tasks and writing of publications; 
• Respond to media requests and engage with the public and advocacy community to elevate the fact-basis of the debate and advance CBC positions; and 
• Advocate for and build support for recommendations through public presentations, testimony, op-eds, commentary to the press, media appearances, relationships with the policy community, and communication with elected and appointed officials. 

Successful candidates will be passionate, self-motivated, work well with minimal supervision, and will have: 

• A masters degree in public policy, public administration, economics, political science, or related fields; 
• Extensive knowledge of New York City’s government and budget; 
• At least 8 years of professional experience; 
• Excellent oral and written communications skills; 
• Relationships with the NYC policy community; 
• Experience managing media and public stakeholder inquiries; 
• Policy advocacy experience preferred; and 
• Demonstrated ability to balance multiple short-term priorities and long-term projects. 

This position is located in CBC’s New York City office. The CBC is an equal opportunity employer, offers competitive salary and benefits, and is currently a hybrid workplace.

How to Apply:

Please email a cover letter and your resume to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of City Studies.” Applications without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Salary range: $115,000 to $160,000 depending on experience.

DIRECTOR OF TRUSTEE RELATIONS

Applications without cover letters will not be reviewed.

The Citizens Budget Commission (“CBC”), New York’s leading fiscal watchdog and source for unbiased, impactful research on New York City and State government finances, policy, and operations, seeks a dynamic and accomplished professional to serve as Director of Trustee Relations (“Director”). This is an excellent growth opportunity for an early/mid-career professional to collaboratively engage with New York’s business and civic leaders.

Reporting to CBC’s President and working with CBC leadership, the Director is charged with growing, diversifying, and maintaining excellent relationships with CBC’s Trustees, 150 distinguished New Yorkers who provide the majority of CBC financial support and guide its research. The Director will oversee Trustee communications, recruitment, retention, meetings, and events, as well as secure and manage Trustee financial commitments. The Director will be supported by CBC’s Development and Operations Associate, and will collaborate with CBC’s Board Development Consultant and the CBC Trustees guiding Trustee recruitment and retention activities.

Responsibilities include:

• Recruiting and retaining Trustees and New Leaders (CBC’s under 40 group), including strategically planning and executing new initiatives;
• Managing communications and developing relationships with the Trustees;
• Overseeing and conducting research on individuals and firms to identify potential Trustees, and tracking prospect cultivation activities;
• Managing—with the support of staff and consultants—the Annual Gala for approximately 600 people, including logistics, vendor relations, and outreach, to achieve fundraising goals;
• Coordinating the logistics of monthly Trustee Breakfasts with public officials and approximately 10 Trustee research committee meetings annually; and
• Soliciting and overseeing, with staff support, collecting, and tracking membership dues and contributions from the Trustees and other donors.

Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of relevant experience (e.g., development, board or external relations, client management) in nonprofit, civic, political fundraising, policy, or private sector organizations;
• Experience developing relationships with senior executives in private firms, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies;
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar platforms;
• Organized and detailed oriented;
• Collaborative team spirit combined with the capability to work independently;
• Ability to execute multiple projects simultaneously; and
• Interest in and knowledge of New York City/State government, public policy, and the policy and business community preferred.

How to Apply:

Please email a cover letter and your resume to [email protected] with the subject line “Director of Trustee Relations.” Applications without cover letters will not be reviewed.

Salary range: $95,000 to $125,000 depending on experience.

WORKING AT CITIZENS BUDGET COMMISSION

CBC offers competitive benefits, including paid holidays, vacation, parental leave, comprehensive health insurance, pre-tax flexible spending accounts for transit and childcare, and a retirement plan.

We have offices in Albany and New York City and are currently a hybrid workplace, with staff generally in the office at least three days per week.

We encourage a culture of learning, and our staff benefit from frequent opportunities to hear from policymakers and discuss important issues affecting our City and State