Chief Communications Officer

City of New York•New York City, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) oversees a transportation ecosystem that moves nearly one million riders every single day. The TLC is responsible for regulating New York City's taxicab and for-hire vehicle industry. With 180,000 licensed drivers and the iconic yellow taxi at the heart of our city’s identity, TLC is entering a new era of dignity, accountability, and collaboration across the for-hire vehicle sector. TLC continues to be on the front lines of a rapidly changing mobility landscape and our innovative efforts--whether requiring minimum pay for app drivers, ensuring wheelchair accessible service, making our licensed fleet more environmentally sustainable, working to eliminate traffic fatalities, or preventing discriminatory service--often serve as a model for other cities. We are seeking a strategic, imaginative, politically savvy Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to help shape and amplify this new chapter of TLC, focused on three major strategic priorities: driver and passenger dignity, corporate accountability, and a transportation system that works together. This is a rare opportunity to lead communications for one of the most visible, impactful, and culturally resonant public agencies in New York City. The CCO will report to the Commissioner and will serve as TLC’s on-the-record Communications Director, the primary voice of the agency across traditional media, social platforms, public events, and crisis communications. The Chief Communications Officer oversees a small team working closely with the Commissioner’s Office, the Office of Community Affairs, and policy and operations teams to ensure communications is not an afterthought but a driver of trust, transparency, and meaningful engagement. The CCO will lead the charge on four core goals: 1) Reintroduce the Taxi and Limousine Commission to Drivers and the Public 2) Show TLC Work & Amplify Our New Era Agenda 3) Create Feedback Loops That Inform Policy & Operations 4) Democratize TLC Communications and Build Agency Reach

Requirements

Minimum 5-10 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, government, advocacy, or related fields.
Experience managing a team of communications professionals with diverse portfolios.
A track record of serving as an on the record spokesperson or senior communications lead with experience in reputation management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to take complex policy into simplified and succinct messages.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement public-facing communications strategies, beyond traditional media.
Exceptional political acumen and the ability to navigate complex, high visibility environments with grace and clarity.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while collaborating effectively with senior leadership, internal teams, external partners, and other stakeholders.
Commitment to equity, dignity, accountability, and excellence in public service.

Responsibilities

Serve as TLC’s primary spokesperson and on-the-record Communications Director, including for media interviews, press events, and public-facing communications.
Manage proactive and reactive media relations, including media campaigns, in coordination with the Mayor’s Press Office, including crisis communications and rapid response, message development, and reputation management.
Build and maintain strong relationships with traditional, community, ethnic, labor, transportation, policy, and non-traditional media.
Serve as the Commissioner’s top communications advisor providing support on media strategy and build a positive brand identity for the agency.
Lead and mentor a small collaborative communications team that punches above its weight and works closely with the Commissioner’s Office and with the Policy, Operations, and Community Affairs teams.
Build and oversee an agency-wide internal communications strategy in collaboration with Human Resources.
Oversee TLC’s digital platforms including social media, newsletters, web content, and other public-facing channels, ensuring they are engaging, accessible, accurate, and aligned with agency values.
Create storytelling campaigns that highlight TLC’s work, including driver and passenger experiences, behind-the-scenes operations, and policy wins.
Identify and develop proactive communications opportunities that elevate TLC’s public-facing initiatives and presence at events and community forums, including Commissioner facing events.
Oversee agency press events with TLC staff and the Mayor’s Press Office.
Support the Commissioner and senior leadership with speeches, talking points, and strategic messaging as needed.
Ensure all communications are culturally competent, multilingual, accessible, and consistent with the agency’s tone and vision, including public hearings, town halls, TLC reports.
Foster a creative, collegial, and fun communications culture that encourages experimentation, and bold ideas.