Director Of Communications

City of New York•New York City, NY

23h

About The Position

The Commission on Human Rights (the “Commission”) is the City agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (“City Human Rights Law”), one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission investigates, litigates, and adjudicates claims of discrimination brought by the public. Where the Commission finds unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation have occurred, it obtains compensation to victims, orders companies to take corrective action, and can assess civil penalties. The Commission also engages in training and education to ensure New Yorkers understand their rights and responsibilities under City Law. The Director of Communications reports to the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and works to develop and implement the communications and public relations strategy for the agency. The Director of Communications leads a team of communications professionals to advance the agency’s mission and execute strategies that advance awareness of the NYCHRL, the CCHR activities, and human rights issues impacting New Yorkers. The position collaborates with agency stakeholders, media, press, bloggers, advocates, community groups, elected officials and the general public.

Requirements

Permanent in the title of Administrative Public Information Specialist.
A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity.
At least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism or advertising.

Nice To Haves

Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience.

Responsibilities

Develop communications and marketing strategies to advance Commission goals.
Manage the agency’s communication budget.
Direct all aspects of agency communications and marketing, maintaining consistent strategic visibility for the Commission via broadcast and print media (ethnic and non-ethnic), social media and other platforms.
Identify new campaigns to educate New Yorkers about rights and obligations under the Human Rights Law (HRL).
Develop and build positive relationships with media, elected officials, agency stakeholders and the community.
Convene focus groups and utilize other research techniques, to inform the development and evaluate the impact of campaign strategies.
Develop and disseminate multi-lingual materials to educate New Yorkers about their rights and obligations under the HRL.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, including ethnic media editors and other contacts as appropriate in print and broadcast media.
Act as an agency spokesperson and serve as a key contact for media, elected officials, agency stakeholders and the community.
Ensure the Commission’s message reaches a broad cross-section of NYC communities through significant ethnic media ad buys.
Coordinate and collaborate with members of the Mayor’s Office Communications Team, the City Hall Press Office about Commission strategy and incoming stories, as well as with press and communications staff at sister agencies, as appropriate.
Supervise staff in the Communications Team and support professional development through assignments and training opportunities.
Lead the completion of reports required under the HRL or Charter through the development and review of content.
Other duties as assigned.