Chief of Staff
About the Office:
The Office of Assemblymember Emérita Torres is committed to advancing policies that create opportunity, strengthen working families, and improve the quality of life for residents of the Bronx and communities across New York State. Through impactful legislation, funding, responsive constituent services, and collaborative leadership, the office works to deliver meaningful results for the communities it serves.
Position Summary:
The Chief of Staff serves as the senior executive leader responsible for advancing the Member’s strategic priorities while overseeing day-to-day office operations. The Chief of Staff advises the Assemblymember on policy and strategic decisions; manages office alignment and execution; and oversees legislative, constituent, communications, and administrative functions.
Leadership Responsibilities:
- Lead the development and execution of the office’s strategic priorities while managing daily operations and ensuring alignment with the Assemblymember’s vision.
- Serve as the Assemblymember’s principal advisor on legislative, budget, policy, operational, and strategic matters.
- Manage and develop staff, including the District Director, Legislative Director, and Communications Director, while fostering a culture of respect, professionalism, accountability, and collaboration for the team.
- Establish office priorities, monitor progress toward goals, and drive effective execution of legislative, budget, and district initiatives.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships across government, organized labor, education, community organizations, nonprofits, businesses, and other sectors.
- Represent the Assemblymember and office with elected officials, agencies, community leaders, stakeholders, and constituents.
- Improve office systems and workflows, including through the ethical and responsible use of technology.
- Ensure effective staffing and coordination for office activities, meetings, and events, including evenings and weekends.
- Manage competing priorities, resources, and deadlines while ensuring compliance with Assembly policies and ethical standards.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (Master’s or J.D.) preferred.
- Minimum of five years of leadership experience in government, a legislative office, or a quasi-governmental/public-facing organization.
- Demonstrated experience managing, developing, and evaluating staff.
- Strong understanding of New York State government and the legislative process.
- Proven ability to develop strategy, lead teams, manage complex initiatives, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.
- Exceptional communication, organizational, project management, and decision-making skills.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted partnerships across government, labor, education, nonprofit, business, and community sectors.
- Experience improving systems, setting goals, and driving organizational effectiveness.
- Strong judgment, discretion, political acumen, and commitment to public service.
- Commitment to advancing equity, supporting working-class communities, and improving outcomes for constituents.
-Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, and travel to Albany during the legislative session.
- Fluency in Spanish a plus.
