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Senior Press Officer

The New York City Council is seeking a Senior Press Officer to join its Communications Division. The Senior Press Officer will work closely with the City Council Speaker, senior staff and the Communications Division.

SALARY RANGE:

$115,000 to $130,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Assist in the development and implementation of communications strategies that promote and support the City Council and Speaker.
  • Manage communications support for Council members and committees within a portfolio, collaborating with Members’ offices and Central staff.
  • Interact with reporters covering City Hall, as well as those covering a range of other relevant issues to the Council, to serve as one of several spokespersons.
  • Write, review, and edit press releases, media advisories, briefing papers, speeches, talking points, Q&As and other communications materials. 
  • Manage communications projects, including press events.
  • Pitch media coverage and stories on the City Council to reporters.
  • Serve as the main liaison with certain Council Members and Committees and develop expertise on the related subjects, policies and legislative processes.
  • Help create materials for and organize bi-monthly Stated meetings, including the pre-Stated press conferences.
  • Perform other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 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.
  • Must be a strong writer, who can tell a story clearly and concisely.
  • Strong attention to detail and a clear ability to synthesize complex information for general audiences.     
  • Prior experience simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities in an effective way.
  • 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 New York City media experience and/or prior government, legislative, and/or public affairs communications experience is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to effectively work independently and with a team, and capable of interacting with a broad range of individuals.
  • 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 resume, cover letter and a writing sample to:

E-MAIL:         counciljobs@council.nyc.gov  

MAIL:           New York City Council

                        Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (SPO)

                        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.