Careers

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.

We are seeking a Policy Director to lead our efforts both to find practical ideas, supported by evidence, that will improve city life for people in New York and other cities, and to serve them up in a way that can assist government in implementation and residents in assessing the basis and wisdom of the policies. 

The job requires someone quick-witted who delights in learning swiftly, analyzing deeply and connecting and learning from a wide array of people. The Policy Director will be responsible for developing strong connections with leading thinkers and doers and with devising products that inform the public and policymakers in lively and engaging ways. The ideal candidate will be energetic and collegial, possessing a disciplined curiosity, entrepreneurial instincts and the capacity to build and lead this aspect of Vital City’s work. 

Responsibilities

In addition to the wide array of pieces that Vital City publishes weekly, which cover a range of (sometimes opposing) views and positions, we also aim to seek out the best evidence on particular ideas and policies that represent Vital City’s view of the wisest and most direct path to positive urban achievements. These projects are aimed, in the first instance, at government decision-makers but are also intended to engage any city resident who wishes to delve more deeply into a policy and the ideas and data behind it. This is the common purpose of several of the projects that have launched or are launching including: Just Fix It, which aims to surface concrete ways to improve the basic mechanics of New York City government; the What To Do (and Not To Do) series, which offers practical strategies for solving some of the city’s most complex challenges; and Rubber, Meet Road, a forthcoming project delivering policymakers actionable guides for improving public safety by breaking down research language and presentation into products that cities can use. 

The policy director will be responsible for building the structures or vehicles that would best find, express and make persuasive ideas to improve city life and help Vital City develop sustained expertise over particular subject matters. This could include figuring out a way to create a lodestone of ideas from all over the world, attracting people from academia, city government and non-profits, among other places.

Generating ideas might come from assembling an informal or formal federation of people, developing the infrastructure within Vital City or a partnership with others or any number of other approaches. Deepening understanding and spreading the word about good ideas could come in the form of data and tech projects, connection to the science of persuasion, public forums and an array of other efforts. Building and sustaining this effort will require continuous engagement with academic experts and practitioners, as well as a dedication to 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. 

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. 

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.

• Substantial experience working in or with government, law, economics, 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 the ability to build relationships 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 February 19, 2026 

Location: Residency in New York City is preferred. Remote location is possible for the right candidate, but 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 interested in part-time or project-based 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 a fast-paced, 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.