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Deputy Communications Director (Policy)

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a policy-focused Deputy Communications Director to join its Communications Division. The position will help develop and execute effective communications strategies on policy priorities that support the Council and Council Members. They will collaborate with staff in the Communications Division, the offices of Council Members, and staff across various Council divisions. The role will be responsible for developing policy messaging, strategies, and writing.

SALARY RANGE:

$130,000 to $170,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Lead the development and review of policy planning, messaging, strategies and writing for Council priorities related to legislation, reports, and special projects.
  • Write, review and edit policy-focused materials, including briefing papers, fact sheets, reports, press releases, speeches, web and social media content, and talking points.
  • Manage policy-oriented communications projects.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies that promote and support the City Council.
  • Coordinate, manage, and support Communications Division staff to advance strategies and work plans.
  • Provide communications support for the Speaker, Council members and committees.
  • Interact with reporters covering City Hall, as well as those covering a range of other relevant issues to the Council, to provide policy information and details or serve as a spokesperson.
  • Support media coverage and stories on City Council policy priorities.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 to 10 years of experience in media relations, communications, public affairs, or a related field demonstrating an increasing scope of work and responsibility.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Being a strong writer, who deeply understands policy to clearly and concisely synthesize complex information for general audiences is a must, as is attention to detail.
  • Broad understanding of public policy, and specifically the intersections of New York policy and political landscapes with government.
  • Prior experience simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities in an effective way.
  • Ability to effectively work with a team and independently, and across divergent teams with a broad range of individuals.
  • Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, often under short and shifting deadlines and in high-pressure situations.
  • Willingness to work non-traditional hours. Team members will be required to be on-call nights, early mornings, weekends, and on holidays, as necessary. 
  • Prior experience with New York City media, government, legislation, and/or public affairs is strongly preferred.
  • Proficiency in the English language.
  • Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language highly desired, but not required.
  • Creative thinker with a sense of humor and ability to be flexible.

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 cover letter indicating your match to the stated job requirements; your resume; a media placement; and a writing sample (e.g., press release, op-ed, etc.) to:

E-MAIL:         counciljobs@council.nyc.gov   

MAIL:             New York City Council

Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (DepComDirP)

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.