Communications Director

A New York City Council Member, representing Bronx District 18, is looking for a Communications Director to manage and develop strategic communication plans congruent with the Majority Leader’s policies. The Communications Director works to effectively promote, and bolster the Council Member’s profile, district work, and policy agenda while collaborating with Chief of Staff and constituent services staff on responses to constituent and in-district issues. We’re looking for candidates with a keen sense of New York City’s media landscape with strong writing skills to draft comprehensive messaging in partnership with the Majority Leader and Chief of Staff.

SALARY RANGE:

$60,000 to $80,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Craft and implement the Majority Leader’s communications strategy, setting messaging goals and strategies for all areas of our communications work, both in the district and citywide.

· Plan communications by designing media campaigns that align with the Majority Leader’s marketing, branding, and communication goals.

· Maintain platform selection for communications strategy by choosing the most effective media platforms (e.g., TV, radio, social media, print, or online) based on target audiences and campaign objectives.

· Draft talking points, statements, and speeches for the Majority Leader; collaborate with Scheduler on speaking engagement timelines.

· Oversee Digital Media Presence: social media management; manage the Majority Leader’s social media presence, responding to followers, and monitoring engagement; develop a content calendar and strategy to ensure regular and relevant updates across digital media platforms; monitor trends and changes in the digital landscape to keep the organization’s media strategy current.

· Work with other Council Member offices, outside allies, and advocacy organizations (both in New York City and beyond) to coordinate effective communications strategies that advance shared policy, advocacy, and organizing goals.

· Manage the office’s online communications work, including drafting and sending regular district update email blasts, overseeing and updating press contacts database, and managing and posting content to various websites such as the City Council website.

· Develop strong working relationships with reporters and editors, place stories in various outlets on a local and national scale, respond to press inquiring in various capacities (on the record, on background, off the record, etc.), and identify other communications opportunities that advance the goals of the office.

· Plan press conferences, draft and distribute press releases and statements (including rapid response statements and statement requests). Collaborate with the Legislative Associate and Chief of Staff to advance policy and budget priorities using effective, innovative communication strategies and media campaigns.

· Design and prepare the layout of outreach materials like flyers and social media graphics as well as some web-based design work.

· Complete other projects and tasks as assigned by the Majority Leader and/or Chief of Staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's degree in relevant field, OR an equivalent amount of work experience is preferred.

· 3-5 years of experience in communications or digital organizing, particularly in the elected, political and non-profit advocacy space.

· Deep knowledge of District 18 and The Bronx, including its neighborhoods, history, and diverse communities highly desired.

· Strong writing skills, including in rapid response situations.

· Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.

· Some experience in case management, organizing, constituent services, or other applicable fields, ideally in New York City.

· Demonstrated project management and problem-solving experience.

· Strategic understanding of different social media platforms and best practices.

· The ability to stay calm in a fast-paced, high-pressure political and media environment.

· Understanding of political sensitivity.

· An interest in pushing boundaries and a demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to New York City’s biggest problems.

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. A retirement plan, deferred compensation plans, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources 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 and a cover letter, with the subject line to:

YOUR FULL NAME – Communications Director

E-MAIL: rmalman@council.nyc.gov

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person