Director of Communications

The mission of our office is to ensure that our constituents in the district and all New Yorkers are provided with access to resources and are empowered in NYS through equitable and inclusive policies and practices.

Senator Webb is seeking a highly motivated Communications Director with strong strategic writing and media management skills to work in their District Office. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, able to handle numerous progressive policy issues in a fast-paced office, and is a versatile writer and editor.

The Communications Director position is full time, salaried and located in Senate District 52, in Binghamton.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create macro and micro communication strategies and practices with member for the office and external relations
• Establishes, manages and implements effective communications, media relations and public involvement strategies districtwide to help provide timely, accurate, understandable information to constituents
• Develops and implements plans to increase awareness of state programs and participation in the state’s decision-making processes
• Directs the development of outreach programs to encourage citizen participation in state government and to encourage use of public programs and facilities
• Serve as a liaison between Senate office and Intergovernmental Affairs and Majority Conference Services (External Affairs Director)
• Supervise and support Communications team
• Overseeing all communications, press, and creative functions in the office, including creation of messaging priorities
• Producing content for social media
• Execution of communications plans
• Briefing and staffing the Senator
• Identifying press and speaking engagements
• Collaborating with legislative and community relations staff
• Cultivating positive constituent stories
• Editing communications content

Additionally, the Communications Director will cultivate relationships with local media outlets as well as statewide media that focuses on NY government, coordinating interviews for the Senator and providing on-the-record comment when needed.

To learn more about our mission and the exciting work visit:

Qualification Requirements:

• Extensive communications experience
• Ability to research, identify and share best practices in implementing organizational goals and strategies as it relates to communications
• Understanding of legislative policies, state laws, state grant programs, and other relevant state and local and federal resources
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, public administration, political science, or other relevant field of study is required, as is at least two years of demonstrated experience working on a communications team, preferably in government or in a campaign setting
• Time flexibility-Ability to work long hours and some weekends and evenings, as necessary
• Familiarity with the district, as well as the concerns and challenges facing its residents
• Experience with press outreach and messaging in a political environment
• Demonstrated history of working collaboratively
• Ability to travel within the district and to and from Albany for major events is desirable

Salary range is $60,000 to $65,000, commensurate with education and experience.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to leawebb@nysenate.gov. Submissions that do not include both will not be considered. Please keep in mind that we are looking for cover letters that tell us in your own words why you are a great candidate for the job and do not simply repeat the information in your resume.

This recruitment will remain open until filled. Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to each applicant.

The NYS Senate offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that includes a health and wellness in the workplace program that you and your family can benefit from:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Sick time
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness Program

The New York State Senate is an Equal Opportunity employer that values a diverse and equitable workplace. We do not permit discrimination based on race, age, creed, color, religion, gender/sex, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, or physical or mental disability, domestic violence victim status, arrest/criminal conviction record, pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity or expression, sexual harassment, immigration status, or hair texture or protective hair styles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Work Location: In person