Jobs and Internships

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.

  1. VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS
  2. DIRECTOR OF CITY STUDIES
  3. TRUSTEE RELATIONS AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT (PART-TIME)
  4. WORKING AT CITIZENS BUDGET COMMISSION

VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGY AND COMMUNICATIONS

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

New York’s leading fiscal watchdog and source for unbiased, impactful research on New York City and New York State governmental finances, policy, and operations seeks an exceptional communications and policy professional as Vice President for Strategy and Communications (VP). Reporting to the President and working collaboratively with the Vice President for Research and the Director of Operations, the VP will be a lynchpin to ensure CBC’s top-quality research drives New York's policies, operations, and budgets.

The VP will provide strategic guidance into CBC’s focus areas and spearhead advocacy; be responsible for the production, impact, positioning, distribution, editing, and effective communication of CBC’s 100+ annual publications; manage CBC’s social media channels and podcast; and oversee communications of CBC’s research and positions to and relationships with the press and other key stakeholders.

The VP will bring and develop relationships with a broad range of stakeholders that includes CBC Trustees and staff, elected and appointed public officials, influential members of the press and media, and other members of the policy community.

The ideal candidate possesses an uncommon blend of communication skill, advocacy experience and drive, policy insight, and analytic depth to ensure that CBC’s rigorous research drives policy-making and public management.

Responsibilities:

  • Promote CBC research and recommendations through publications, social media, relationships and contact with the press, and advocacy with policy makers and the policy community;
  • Edit CBC publications for clarity and impact;
  • Oversee and implement CBC’s advocacy, including research-focused events and forums, directed at and collaborating with elected and appointed officials, members of the policy community, and thought leaders;
  • Manage the production and distribution of all products, including reports, briefs, blogs, statements, op-eds, data features, and external presentations;
  • Enhance CBC’s audience, reputation, and influence;
  • Provide strategic guidance to maximize CBC’s impact, including identifying salient and timely issues, and providing input into the research agenda and specific research reports;
  • Oversee CBC’s website, social media accounts and podcast, and be responsible CBC’s branding, positioning, and look and feel;
  • Work with staff to ensure understanding of CBC’s strategy, messaging, and voice to guide clear and effective creation and presentation of content; and
  • Perform specific duties as needed to support CBC’s operations.

Qualifications:

  • At least 8 years of professional experience in communications and/or policy; considerable experience in successful policy advocacy;
  • Extensive knowledge of New York City and State government—understanding of public finances, services, and economics preferred;
  • Relationships with the NYC and NYS policy community;
  • Experience overseeing development and production of various types of publications;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in a wide range of media;
  • A detail-oriented editor with an exceptional ability to synthesize complex ideas and translate them for diverse audiences;
  • Experience managing media relations and public stakeholder inquiries including proven track record of communicating with press on a regular basis;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively build relationships and networks inside and outside of the organization;
  • Demonstrated success working collaboratively with colleagues in an interdisciplinary environment;
  • An authentic passion for CBC’s mission; and,
  • Demonstrated ability to balance multiple short-term priorities and long-term projects and to be flexible and adaptable to meet new and immediate priorities as they arise.

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

How to Apply:

To apply, please email a cover letter and your resume to [email protected] with the subject line “Vice President for Strategy and Communications”. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary range: $170,000 to $210,000 depending on experience.

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 the quality and efficiency of sanitation, homeless services, education, public safety, 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 a skilled researcher or government professional with strong strategic, analytic, and communication skills responsible for managing CBC’s New York City policy and services research portfolio and advocating effectively for fiscal, policy, and service delivery reforms.  

Responsibilities: 

  • Develop and execute a research and advocacy agenda to influence constructive change in the finances, services, operations, and competitiveness of New York City;
  • Perform and oversee in-depth analysis of the budget, finances, policies, and services of the City; 
  • Author evidence-based research publications; 
  • Supervise research staff (3-5 staff and fellows) who conduct fiscal, operational and policy analyses and draft publications; 
  • Communicate with journalists, and the public and advocacy communities 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. 

Qualifications: 

  • A keen capacity for quantitative and qualitative insights, and desire to keep learning;
  • A masters degree in public policy, public administration, economics, political science, or related fields; 
  • Extensive knowledge of New York City’s, or commensurate, 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; 
  • Demonstrated ability to balance multiple short-term priorities and long-term projects; and
  • Demonstrated ability to learn new subjects quickly. 

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:

To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary range: $130,000 to $160,000 depending on experience.

TRUSTEE RELATIONS AND OPERATIONS ASSISTANT (PART-TIME)

Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The Citizens Budget Commission (CBC), New York’s leading nonpartisan, nonprofit, independent think tank and watchdog, seeks a Trustee Relations and Operations Assistant, who will play a crucial role supporting the day-to-day operations of CBC’s Trustee Relations and operations teams. The selected candidate will be a detail-oriented professional with excellent organizational skills. They will work closely with team members to help facilitate events, manage memberships, and support Trustee recruitment. This position offers a great opportunity for an individual looking to deepen and broaden their experience in nonprofit fundraising, events, and management.

Responsibilities:

  • Assist with planning and executing events, including Trustee breakfasts, conferences, research committee meetings and CBC’s annual gala, by:
    • Maintaining and producing registration lists and confirming event attendees;
    • Preparing name tags and necessary materials for breakfasts;
    • Assisting with the event day-of including registration of guests and/or event set-up;
  • Input constituent data and ensure accuracy and completeness of information in the Raisers Edge database;
  • Collaborate with the Trustee Relations team to support Trustee recruitment by researching prospective Trustees and keeping recruitment materials up to date;
  • Create acknowledgment letters and other donor correspondence; and
  • Execute routine administrative tasks, including filing, maintaining office supply inventory, data entry and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

  • BA or equivalent required;
  • Experience or interest in nonprofit organizations;
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel;
  • Familiarity with Raisers Edge, or other fundraising database systems, strongly preferred;
  • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities;
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment; and
  • Interest in New York City civic life and CBC’s mission.

This position is 20 hours per week and 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:

Cover letter is required to be considered. To apply, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Salary range: $20-$25 per hour

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