Deputy Commissioner, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs

City of New York•Brooklyn, NY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) uses technology to create opportunity, improve public safety, and help New York City government operate more effectively. Its work includes affordable broadband, cybersecurity, and digital government services. The Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs translates the Chief Technology Officer’s vision and priorities into communications and engagement strategies, explains OTI’s work to stakeholders, and demonstrates the impact of technology on City government and New Yorkers. The Deputy Commissioner serves as a senior strategic advisor to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and leads OTI’s communications and intergovernmental affairs functions. This leader develops and executes an integrated communications and public affairs strategy, advises agency leadership, builds relationships with stakeholders, and ensures OTI communicates clearly and consistently. The role also leads and develops the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team. The position is based in Brooklyn, New York. The day shift is indicated; because OTI is a 24/7 operation and the role has management duties, the candidate may be required to be on call, work overtime, and/or work various shifts, including weekends and nights or evenings.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CTO and senior leadership, translating priorities into communications, public affairs, and intergovernmental strategies and identifying opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.
Shape and maintain an agency narrative that connects initiatives to OTI’s mission and demonstrates outcomes for City government and New Yorkers.
Set standards for executive and agency communications, including press releases, testimony, speeches, talking points, briefing materials, reports, digital content, and internal communications; ensure materials are accurate, polished, human-centered, and aligned with the CTO’s voice and priorities.
Translate complex technology, policy, and operational issues into accessible communications for non-technical audiences.
Lead media relations, develop stories advancing agency priorities, respond to press inquiries, cultivate local and national media relationships, and coordinate messaging with City Hall and partner agencies.
Lead crisis and sensitive-issue communications, anticipate risks, advise executive leadership, develop response strategies, and coordinate timely and accurate communications.
Develop and lead OTI’s intergovernmental affairs strategy, anticipate legislative, policy, and oversight issues, and advise agency leadership on engagement strategies.
Oversee preparation for hearings, briefings, and other high-stakes government engagements, including testimony, Q&A, briefing materials, and executive preparation.
Lead internal communications to explain agency priorities, amplify successes, strengthen organizational alignment, and support leadership communications during organizational and cultural change.
Lead and develop the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team by setting priorities, roles, workflows, and standards; deploying resources; coaching staff; fostering collaboration, accountability, and excellence; and ensuring high-quality, timely work.