Jobs

The Center for an Urban Future (CUF) is a leading think tank focused on the future of New York City, known for publishing highly respected policy reports detailing opportunities to build a stronger and more equitable economy in New York. CUF’s fact-based research and accessible reports consistently elevate underappreciated issues onto the radar of government leaders and spark policy changes that expand economic opportunity in New York and strengthen communities across the five boroughs. CUF seeks a full-time Deputy Policy Director eager to play a hands-on role effecting policy change in New York.

The ideal candidate will have outstanding writing and editing skills; significant work experience conducting research, communications and/or journalism on public policy issues; fluency in New York’s policy and government landscape; a passion for New York; and some familiarity with issues related to economic opportunity. The Deputy Policy Director will help us increase our research output and expand our policy impact, with responsibilities that include:

• Serving as lead researcher and writer on CUF policy briefs.
• Providing spot research, editing assistance, and writing to help finalize CUF reports.
• Managing research, drafting, and production schedules for multiple reports simultaneously.
• Providing guidance and feedback to CUF staff, fellows, and freelance writers as they conduct research, develop reporting memos, and write full reports.
• Writing CUF’s widely read email newsletter.
• Drafting proposals to philanthropic foundations and reports detailing the impact of our work.
• Ghostwriting op-eds and speeches.
• Disseminating CUF’s research to government officials and other decision-makers.
• Helping to plan CUF’s high-profile policy forums.
• Contributing to idea development for future CUF reports and policy events.

This role is perfect for a talented writer with a knack for making complex topics accessible and a track record of achieving results in New York’s policy landscape. We are especially eager to meet candidates with a passion for the policy issues that are central to CUF’s mission, including creating good jobs, boosting skills and educational credentials, expanding pathways into the middle class, and strengthening low- and moderate-income communities across the five boroughs.

Qualified candidates will have at least three years of experience working on public policy issues in New York, including in government, journalism, media relations, and/or the nonprofit sector. This position offers a unique opportunity for a talented policy professional to contribute solutions that lead to a stronger, fairer, and more vibrant city and expand economic opportunity for all New Yorkers.

This is a full-time position. The salary range for this position is from $75,000 to $95,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The Center for an Urban Future deeply values the contributions of our dedicated staff. In addition to competitive pay, CUF offers comprehensive healthcare benefits with no out-of-pocket costs to employees; generous paid annual, parental, and sick leave; annual contributions to each employee’s 401(k) retirement plan; opportunities for professional development and advancement; and a flexible hybrid work environment with an office in the heart of downtown Manhattan.

How to Apply

Send resume, cover letter, and at least two work samples to jobs@nycfuture.org. Please include “Deputy Policy Director” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

An independent, nonpartisan policy organization, the Center is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, or other factors protected by law.

The Center for an Urban Future (CUF) is a nonpartisan policy research organization committed to independent research that meets a high standard of integrity. CUF’s reports are grounded in data, evidence, and rigorous qualitative research, and CUF staff alone has final say over all aspects of our research products. CUF’s ability to fulfil its mission and generate policy change is a direct reflection of its earned reputation for independence. To safeguard this reputation, CUF leadership and staff commit to a research process free of ideological bias or predetermined notions of outcome. CUF regularly engages with stakeholders across government, philanthropy, the nonprofit sector, and the private sector in the course of conducting research; however, CUF’s conclusions and recommendations are those of the organization alone.

CUF maintains a conflict-of-interest policy that guides all project funding decisions, including the following provisions: CUF only accepts grant funding for projects that align with the organization’s mission, strategic plan, and research agenda; CUF will not accept grant support where the funder stands to gain financially or materially from the outcomes of the research; CUF does not accept funding from government; and CUF makes public the funding sources for all its research projects and initiatives. CUF is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse elected officials or candidates. In addition, CUF staff may not engage in lobbying, partisan political activity, or any other activities if and to the extent those activities could undermine the organization’s independence and objectivity.