Legislative Research Analyst, Bureau of Government Affairs

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (The Health Department) protects and promotes the health of eight million New Yorkers with a budget of $2 billion, and roughly 7,000 staff. Central to this effort are programs that combat communicable diseases, expand access to health care, provide maternal health support, surveil human health conditions from chronic disease to mental health and substance use issues, and tackle other public health challenges. Pursuing effective public health policy is also vital to this work. The Legislative Affairs unit in the Office of External Affairs within the Bureau of Government Affairs seeks to hire a Health Legislative Research Analyst. This position reports to the Director of Legislative Affairs and works with a team of legislative analysts. In this role you will be assigned specific Divisions/Bureaus and/or Programs in order to provide strategic insight into legislative affairs affecting these divisions, provide counsel and/or support on drafting testimony, reviewing legislative positions, reviewing reports and agency comments, and other duties as assigned by the Director and Office of External Affairs leadership.
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
-Research, track, and analyze legislation and coordinate the department's response in areas that may include mental hygiene, budget, or other program areas as needed.
-Prepare executive-level leadership in the agency for public hearings and meetings with elected officials.
-Cultivate and maintain relationships with other organizational units within the Health Department and other key partners
-Assist in developing and implementing legislative strategies.
-Serve as a liaison to the Mayor's Office by representing the Department's position on public health issues and coordinating with internal partners.
-Investigate and respond to elected officials' requests regarding general information on Health Department programs or actions.
-Develop briefing materials and other content with research data and reports for the city council, state legislature, and federal government.
-Maintenance of other internal unit and/or division organizational systems.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
Excellent analytical, political, and writing skills
Experience working in government and/or intergovernmental/legislative affairs
Academic background in political science, public policy, public health, or related field
Spreadsheet, Airtable, and data-tracking skills
Must be self-motivated, able to work on multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and share the agency's commitment to public health
Why you should work for us:
- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.
Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.
Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!
The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.
CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.