A New York City Council member, representing District 45, is seeking a Director of Communications.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Council Member’s legislative agenda and district priorities.
· Collaborate with legislative and district staff to translate policy initiatives into clear, accessible public messaging.
· Plan and implement all communications including press releases, statements, op-eds via news media relations; traditional, social, and digital media; and other communications strategies and initiatives, as needed.
· Monitor media coverage and public discourse; provide strategic communications guidance and rapid response when necessary. Ensure message consistency across all platforms and materials. Supervise communications staff, consultants, interns, and vendors as assigned
· Develop and pitch stories, manage press calls, track media coverage, field media inquiries and maintain relationships with reporters, editorial staff, columnists, bookers, producers, hosts and bloggers.
· Serve as the primary media contact for the office, field press inquiries and coordinate interviews and manage all media relations and develop contacts with media members, influencers, and community leaders.
· Secure television media and journalists for all functions and develop, cultivate, and maintain relationships with journalists in mainstream, local, and ethnic media.
· Build, cultivate, and maintain strong working relationships with reporters, editorial boards, producers, bookers, columnists, bloggers, influencers, and community media outlets.
· Oversee the office's digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and multimedia storytelling (audio and video) and develop and execute digital campaigns to increase engagement and effectively communicate policy initiatives.
· Represent the Council Member at community board meetings, civic association gatherings, and public hearings.
· Attend evening and weekend community events to maintain consistent office presence.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· Ability to work independently, take initiative, and proactively identify opportunities for engagement.
· Demonstrate experience building relationships at the community level and mobilizing residents around shared concerns.
· Creative problem-solving abilities and willingness to develop new approaches to communications matters.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, including public speaking and presentation skills.
· Ability to work effectively with diverse communities and demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences.
· Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
· Natural relationship-builder with empathy, active listening skills, and collaborative approach
· Proficiency in social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer).
· Video production, editing and photography and photo editing skills (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud, Lightroom, Capcut).
· Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
· Willingness to work evenings and weekends as necessary.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.
For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.
The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact [email protected].
HOW TO APPLY:
Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to:
E-MAIL: [email protected]
MAIL: New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (CEM45)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10007
FAX: 12124014711
While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
The New York City Council 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.
Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
