Communications Director

A New York City Council Member, representing Council District 31, is seeking a dynamic Communications Director to develop and manage the Office’s communications strategy and operations. We are looking for a candidate with strong written and verbal communication skills, with the capacity to engage strategically with the press, elected officials, stakeholders, and community members, and with a keen understanding of the city’s media landscape and political climate. This position is covered under the Association of Legislative Employees (ALE) and may work alongside and/or supervise employees in titles represented by the same union. The position will be based out of the district and City Hall offices, but travel around the district and city will be a regular part of this job.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Handle press inquiries and engage with the press.

· Develop and maintain relationships with reporters across publications, mediums, and issue areas.

· Write speeches, op-eds, and other public communications as needed.

· Develop timely social media and web content, including copy, graphics, video, and other media.

· Organize, publicize, and staff the Council Member at press conferences and public-facing events.

· Monitor news and social media and identify emerging issues of relevance for the office.

· Some evening and weekend work will be required.

· Work locations to include district offices at Laurelton, NY 11413 and Far Rockaway, NY 11691.

· Perform other office duties as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with an attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information for general audiences.

· Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, often under short and shifting deadlines and in high-pressure situations.

· Interest in and knowledge of city issues, including those relevant to Council District 31 and its neighborhoods.

· Capacity to engage and manage relationships with local media.

· Highly organized and carefully attentive to detail.

· Fluency in both traditional and digital media.

· Experience simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities in an effective way.

· Ability to work both collaboratively as part of a team and independently, and to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.

· Basic graphic design skills.

· Creative, flexible thinker and problem-solver.

· Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language desired but not required.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

New York City residency is 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: D31Jobs@council.nyc.gov AND rtaylor@council.nyc.gov

MAIL: New York City Council

Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (CD31)

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: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person