Communications Director

City of New York•New York, NY

24d•$147,045 - $151,593•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Director is responsible for the public-facing voice of the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD). This role will develop and oversee MOPD’s strategic communications agenda with the ultimate goals of expanding its reach, elevating its public profile, and advancing the Commissioner’s and Mayor’s vision for MOPD. The Communications Director will advise the Commissioner on all communications and public information matters, and report to the Chief of Staff.

Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and copy-editing.
Strong communications judgment with demonstrated ability to set and execute strategic communications projects.
Understanding of the New York media market and policy landscape.
Experience working with senior leaders and making executive-level decisions.
Experience working with journalists and media organizations.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment.
Excellent analytical thinking, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Commitment to disability justice, accessibility, and improving the lives of NYers with disabilities.
Commitment to racial and economic justice.
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and at least six (6) or more years of communications experience - preferably in government, advocacy, nonprofit, or campaign settings.
Education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above.

Responsibilities

Develop a cohesive voice through all communications media, such as press responses, proactive press engagements, digital communications, branding, web content, issue briefs, reports, emergency response communications, social media, public appearances, and more.
Manage the rollout of creative, sophisticated, and effective communications projects.
Ensure all public messaging adheres to the values and mission of MOPD and the Mamdani administration.
Manage media story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management.
Plan proactive and creative media campaigns and outreach.
Review, edit, and write copy for all MOPD public-facing materials as needed.
Write speeches, testimonies, quotes, and remarks in the Commissioner’s voice.
Collaborate with staff and partner agencies to promote events and public resources.
Staff the Commissioner during public appearances to ensure smooth event execution.
Apprise leadership of potential issues with respect to public information and provide recommendations in a timely manner.
Build and maintain strong relationships with communications counterparts in other Mayor’s Offices, city agencies, and external media partners.
Create an effective and collaborative work environment that supports excellence in public service while centering the perspective of people with disabilities.
Coordinate and direct other communications projects as identified by MOPD leadership.
Supervise the Communications Team staff.