Communications Director

A New York City Council Member, representing the 6th Council District - which includes most of the Upper West Side, portions of Clinton from West 54th Street, and all of Central Park - is seeking a Communications Director. The position will develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy across digital and traditional media platforms to promote and advance the Council Member’s legislative, policy, and community priorities.  The Communications Director plays a central role in the office and works collaboratively with all staff.

SALARY RANGE:

$63,000 to $68,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide strategic communications support across digital and traditional media platforms.
• Draft, edit, and prepare traditional media materials, including briefing documents, talking points, press releases, media advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, and preparatory materials for speaking engagements.
• Develop and post engaging social media and website content, including written copy, graphics, video, and other multimedia assets.
• Draft talking points, speeches, proclamations, and citations for meetings, public events, and community engagements.
• Collaborate closely with legislative and policy staff to develop messaging around legislative priorities, initiatives, and campaign launches.
• Monitor news coverage and social media to identify emerging issues relevant to the office and district; produce targeted press clips and reports for internal use.
• Build, maintain, and update press lists; track reporter coverage areas; and manage relationships with members of the press, including pitching stories and responding to media inquiries.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in media relations, communications, government, public affairs, or a related field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to distill complex issues for general audiences, including in rapid-response situations.
• Prior experience with New York City media, government, legislative bodies, and/or public affairs is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated strategic understanding of and experience with both digital and traditional media efforts.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with shifting deadlines.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours, including nights, early mornings, and weekends, as required.
• Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently, and to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language is highly desirable but not required.
• Creative, flexible, and adaptable thinker with a sense of humor.

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 EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should forward their resume to:

E-MAIL:        district6@council.nyc.gov   

MAIL:           New York City Council

Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (CD6)

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.