Communications Director (District 14)

A New York City Council Member, representing Bronx District 14, is looking for a Communications Director who is passionate about uplifting the Bronx and ensuring a local government that delivers for the people to join its small and mighty team. The Council Member’s vision for this office is to be an 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. 

SALARY RANGE:

$60,000 to $70,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement formal press and digital strategies including statements in response to emerging news, community events, policy campaigns and legislative announcements. 
• Create and execute communications strategy for the office and media plans, in conjunction with the Council Member, Chief of Staff, Legislative & Budget Director, and Community Liaisons.
• 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.
• Maintain project management, media and content tracking systems.
• Draft and send biweekly newsletters with legislative, budget and community updates, design and manage production of posters, digital graphics, and other visual aids.
• Prepare Council Member for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Manage relationships with English and Spanish press, including pitching stories and developing long-term media narrative for Council Member.
• Assist in drafting press releases, quotes, speeches, and op-eds.
• Manage all office-led press events.
• All team members contribute to the office constituent services operations as well as special projects related to community outreach.

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.
• Strong writing skills, including in rapid response situations.
• 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 design, video and photo communications.
• Understanding of political sensitivity.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
• Experience with Canva, G-Suite and marketing tools.
• Moderate familiarity with photography is preferred, but not required .
• Skills in digital design and familiarity with relevant applications such as, Figma, Photoshop, Illustrator, Lightroom, etc. are a bonus.
• Relationship to District 14 and/or the Bronx would be helpful.

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. Retirement plans 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:         D14media@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.