Communications Director
New York City Council Member is seeking a dynamic, media savvy Communications Director to drive all aspects of the Office’s communications development, strategy, and execution. Working closely with the Council Member, the Communications Director works to effectively showcase, promote, and bolster the Council Member’s profile, district work, and policy agenda. We’re looking for candidates with a keen sense of New York City’s media landscape, strong writing skills, and a deep understanding of the city and state’s political climate.
Roles & Responsibilities:
- Create and execute communications strategy and media plans, in concert with the Council Member, Chief of Staff, Legislative & Budget Director, and Community Liaisons
Media & Editorial:
- Lead and advise on media strategy, including editorial, on-camera, and feature coverage
- Respond to incoming media inquiries
- Respond to breaking news and rapid response
- Draft collateral for media, including: Press releases, Statements, Op-eds, Letters to the Editor
- Draft talking points, remarks, and provide media prep for the Council Member
- Identify opportunities for the Council Member’s involvement and amplification in the media
- Serve as the lead spokesperson
- Plan, staff, and manage external events with media, stakeholders, and other city officials, such as press conferences or rallies
- Cultivate relationships with reporters as you secure media coverage and respond to incoming media requests
- Build and maintain relationships with hyper-local media outlets
- Write bi-annual print newsletters for the District 4 community
Digital:
- Write monthly newsletters to the community
- Write, edit, and help publish social media across the Council Member’s channels, flagging important moments for the Council Member’s involvement
- Design and create graphics using tools like Canva for the Council Member’s social channels
- Oversee and maintain the Council Member’s website
- Help manage the Council Member’s email, responding to constituents, advocacy groups, and other incoming inquiries
Qualifications:
- Experience in communications, political campaigns, public relations, or journalism
- Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex legislative issues into digestible, compelling content
- Strong media literacy skills and news judgment
- Ability to manage up and be a self starter
- Demonstrated interest in working across issue areas
- Demonstrated commitment to working well with co-workers, while ensuring a collaborative, supportive, and inclusive workplace
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
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.
New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.
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 212-482-5191.
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.