Policy Director, Vital City

Vital City provides practical solutions, deeply rooted in research and evidence, to urban problems, particularly public safety, through commentary, original research, public convenings and more. We seek to bring to life the best ideas about how New York and other cities can be healthy, vibrant and safe, aiming to make these solutions — and the facts behind them — accessible to all, as knowledge and debate are the cornerstones of a strong democracy. The ideas we publish come from a variety of sources and reflect thinking across a broad political spectrum. What ties the ideas together is a commitment to the best of the liberal democratic tradition: belief in progress, a dedication to the collective work of changing society for the better and a commitment to humility, curiosity and empiricism.

Vital City seeks a Policy Director to lead its efforts to influence decision-makers and the public at large in New York and other cities. We are seeking an energetic, open-minded, creative and collegial person. The ideal candidate will be someone who possesses both disciplined curiosity and entrepreneurial instincts. The Policy Director will be responsible for developing strong connections with leading thinkers in the field and with devising products that inform the public and policymakers in lively and engaging ways.

Responsibilities

Reporting to Vital City’s founder, the Policy Director will be responsible for developing and advancing Vital City’s policy proposals.

A central focus of Vital City’s policy work is taking evidence from academia and translating it into practical solutions for busy public officials who do not have the time or inclination to read academic journals or attend academic conferences. The Policy Director will be responsible for distilling the knowledge of leading researchers and practitioners on topics such as subway crime, disorder, mental illness and gun violence. Part of this work will entail building a pipeline of ideas worthy of dissemination. This will require continuous engagement with academic and practice experts and staying up to date with the latest literature in the field. It will also require the ability to conduct interviews, convene roundtables and devise other methods of harvesting knowledge and expertise.

Working with Vital City’s Research Director, the Policy Director will be responsible for thinking through how to collect and communicate important data about urban life. We are looking for someone who will have the creativity to help us devise new products (convenings, online resources, etc). The Policy Director will also be responsible for producing compelling written materials – policy reports, op-eds, briefing memos, and other materials. Clear, accessible writing is a key organizational value at Vital City. Vital City’s Managing Editor and Co-Editor will also be involved in this effort.

The Policy Director will be responsible for advancing Vital City’s policy ideas by communicating directly with government decisionmakers and those who influence them – journalists, foundation executives and nonprofit leaders, among others. This includes one-on-one meetings, public briefings, panel discussions and other forums.

Qualifications

We seek a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of how government works in the real world and a keen appreciation of policy ideas rooted in evidence rather than ideology.

• At least 10 years of experience working with/in government, the law, policy research, journalism or other related fields.
• Exceptional writing and analytical skills.
• Expertise in criminal justice, urban policy, governance, or a related area.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Proven ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible and actionable insights.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with a wide range of people and groups.
• Demonstrated project management experience.
• Knowledge of New York City is a plus.

To Apply

Please send the following to info@vitalcitynyc.org with “Policy Director” in the subject line:

• Resume or CV.
• A piece of writing that you are proud of and that you believe aligns with Vital City’s goals or that demonstrates a clear ability to contribute to the improvement of public policy.
• A short explanation (not more than 300 words) describing why you believe you are a good fit for Vital City.

Application period will close on March 31, 2024

Location: Residency in New York City is preferred, although remote location is possible for the right candidate, although regular trips to New York City would be required.

Salary range: $130,000-180,000 FTE, commensurate with experience and location.

This position is intended to be a permanent, full-time position, but we are also open to applicants who are interested in temporary or part-time employment. Please specify in your email if you are interested in something other than a full-time position.

Vital City is a relatively young organization that is still developing its systems and infrastructure. We are looking for someone who will be comfortable (and good-humored) working in this kind of dynamic environment. Vital City is an equal opportunity employer. It is operated as a project of the Fund for the City of New York, which serves as our fiscal sponsor.