Director of External Affairs, Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice

New York City Economic Development Corporation•New York, NY

5h•$150,000 - $165,000

About The Position

The Director of External Affairs, reporting directly to the Executive Director, is a pivotal position within the Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) aimed at fostering robust relationships and strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders. The Director of External Affairs will spearhead efforts to engage with external entities, including government agencies, NGOs, community groups, businesses, the media, and the public, to advance the mission and initiatives of MOCEJ. This role requires exceptional communication skills, strong leadership, and the ability to navigate complex networks effectively.

Requirements

A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with 24 semester credits in English, journalism, public relations, communications, advertising, marketing, or business administration, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism, advertising, communications, or marketing, including two (2) years in a managerial, administrative, supervisory, or consultative capacity; or
A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to the above. Graduate study in relevant fields may be substituted for up to one year of required experience.
All candidates must have at least two (2) years of managerial, administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism, advertising, communications, or marketing.
Ability to navigate City government and communicate effectively with administrative and technical leaders, particularly on technically complex topics
Resourcefulness and flexibility, while being organized and detail-oriented

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and assess a comprehensive external affairs strategy aligned with MOCEJ's strategic objectives.
Cultivate and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, environmental organizations, businesses, the media, and the public.
Serve as the primary liaison between MOCEJ, City Hall and external partners, ensuring consistent communication and collaboration.
Lead efforts to advocate for MOCEJ's initiatives and policies within relevant governmental bodies and regulatory agencies.
Strategically leverage partnerships and alliances to amplify the impact of MOCEJ's programs and initiatives.
Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment between external affairs activities and organizational goals.
Represent MOCEJ at external events, conferences, and meetings.
Develop and implement strategies to effectively utilize social media and other digital platforms for external engagement and outreach.
Provide strategic guidance and support to the Executive Director and senior leadership on external relations matters.
Monitor and analyze external trends, developments, and policy changes relevant to MOCEJ's mission, providing timely insights and recommendations.
Manage a team of external affairs professionals, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure their success and professional development.
Oversee the development and dissemination of external-facing materials, including press releases, reports, presentations, and marketing collateral.
Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director on matters related to external relations, offering strategic counsel and expertise.
Develop and execute an effective plan to utilize various social media platforms to communicate MOCEJ's climate change initiatives and mission.
Ensure consistent communication of agency initiatives and mission to all constituencies.
Cultivate and build relationships with members of the media, serving as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.
Coordinate media strategy around strategic initiatives, issues, and events.
Develop and pitch story ideas on various agency initiatives and actions, serving as the chief speechwriter for the Chair.
Create talking points and statements for dissemination to staff, media, and the public, and act as the public-facing spokesperson to the media.
Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral, including press releases, social media platforms, brochures, website, email newsletters, etc.
Lead the generation of engaging online content that reaches a broad audience.
Coordinate website maintenance, ensuring the regular posting of new and consistent information.
Serve as the Language Access Coordinator for MOCEJ.
Handle sensitive and controversial issues with expertise and experience.
Manage multiple assignments in short timeframes while delivering high-quality results.