Director of Communications

Director of Communications  

Come work with us!  

The office of Council Member Pierina Sanchez, representing Bronx District 14, is looking for candidates who are passionate about uplifting the Bronx and ensuring a local government that delivers for the people to join its small and mighty team. Council Member Pierina Sanchez’s vision for this office is to be expert government problem solvers and the go to place for our neighbors to get help on issues big and small. Rooted in strongly progressive values, we are committed to realizing a more just and equitable NYC that better serves District 14.  

Values: Commitment to economic and social justice and political action that is anti-racist, feminist, pro-worker, pro-immigrant, and pro-LGBTQ; alignment with the core values of Council Member Pierina Sanchez Demonstrated commitment to equity that uplifts the rich diversity of our Bronx community across race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability, veteran status, socio-economic circumstance, and record of arrest or conviction. 

We are searching for a Director of Communications who will be responsible for developing communications strategies, press relationships, social media and digital communications to reach the constituents of District 14 and the city at large. The Director of Communications will execute messaging and branding that reflects Council Member Sanchez’s community-first, progressive policy agenda, and breaks down complex policy concepts for a general audience. The role includes staffing the Council Member and drafting content from the daily activities of the Council Member’s community events, district announcements, and legislative and policy campaigns.  

The ideal candidate has strong organizational skills and enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, where no task is too minor and no detail too small. Strong policy knowledge is a must, as are teamwork and superior time management. A keen understanding of interpersonal relationships and political dynamics is also essential for the successful candidate. The Director of Communications with report to the Chief of Staff.  

The Position 

• Craft and implement digital strategy in response to emerging news, community events, policy campaigns and legislative announcements 
• Manage relationships with English and Spanish press, including pitching stories and developing long-term media narrative for Council Member 
• Develop formal press strategies, statements and all outward communications 
• Draft press releases, quotes, speeches, and op-eds   
• Own communication strategy for the office, including for priority issue campaigns 
• Prepare Council Member Sanchez for interviews and speaking engagements    
• Draft, design and post content of Council Member activities via social media 
• Monitor local, citywide, state, and national news, and update Council Member and office staff on developments related to district issues and key office priorities 
• Manage interns who will maintain project management, media and content tracking systems 
• Work with colleagues to ensure consistency in messaging across the office   
• Draft and send biweekly e-newsletters 
• Design and manage production of posters, digital graphics, and other visual aids 
• Assist in drafting press releases, quotes, speeches, and op-eds 
• Manage all office-led press events 

A little about You: 

• You enjoy writing and strategizing around messaging.  
• You believe in the power of communications’ impact on public opinion strategizing  
• You have a minimum of 3-5 years of experience in communications or digital organizing, particularly in the elected, political and non-profit advocacy space 
• Your strong writing skills allows for rapid responses to emerging municipal issues 
• Ability to distill complex ideas into bite sized, actionable pieces 
• Ability to handle multiple rotating projects within varied timelines 
• Strategic understanding of different social media platforms and best practices 
• Excellent eye for video and photo communications, and design 
• Understanding of political sensitivity 
• Must speak Spanish 
• Bachelor's degree in relevant field, OR an equivalent amount of work experience  
• Experience with Canva, G-Suite and marketing tools 
• You have a connection to the Bronx or simply ensuring communities have access to accurate, empowering information  

Preferences 

• Familiarity with photography is preferred, but not required  
• Experience in digital design and familiarity with relevant applications such as, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, etc.  
• Relationship to District 14 and/or the Bronx 

Salary and Benefits 

• $60,000-$70,000, Salary and title commensurate with experience 
• Excellent government benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, retirement benefits, and a commuter plan 

Work: This is a hybrid role that leans more in-person 3-4 days a week. While the position will largely be based in the district office, frequent travel to Lower Manhattan will be required. Some evening and weekend work with ample notice will be necessary.  

TO APPLY: Please submit your resume, one-page cover letter, and writing sample to D14media@council.nyc.gov with the subject “Communications Director Application – [Your Name]”.

Application Process: 

Upon review, candidates will be invited to an initial interview with the Chief of Staff. After the interview, there will be a timed assignment related to the role. The final stage will include an interview with the Council Member.