Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Communications

City of New York•New York City, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Board of Correction (BOC) is a nine-person, non-judicial oversight board established in 1957, responsible for regulating, monitoring, and inspecting the correctional facilities of the City. Its core functions include establishing and ensuring compliance with minimum standards for the care, custody, correction, treatment, supervision, and discipline of all persons held under the jurisdiction of the Department of Correction (DOC); investigating serious incidents; reviewing grievances from people in custody and staff; evaluating the performance of the Department of Correction; and making recommendations on key correctional planning areas. BOC works regularly with DOC and Correctional Health Services (CHS), and other government and external partners, on a wide range of criminal justice issues, with a strong emphasis on public reporting and data-driven decision making. The Director of Intergovernmental Affairs and Communications will develop and manage the agency’s communications strategy, Board management, and intergovernmental affairs, operating under the direction of the General Counsel with significant latitude for independent action and decision-making.

Requirements

A Juris Doctor or Graduate Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in social work, psychology, law, criminal justice or public administration, and at least four (4) years of full-time experience in corrections, social work, psychology, law, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility, at least eighteen (18) months of which must have been in a responsible executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory capacity; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and at least six (6) years of full-time experience as described above; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to “1” or “2” above. However, all candidates must have at least eighteen (18) months of executive, managerial, administrative or supervisory experience as described in “1” above.

Nice To Haves

Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills, and a strong customer-service approach.
High level of comfort with presenting findings to groups and interacting with staff members on a range of levels.
Commitment to BOC’s mission and to excellence in public management.
Familiarity with local government structure and elected officials’ offices.
Experience working with New York City based media.
Knowledge of the New York City criminal justice system.
Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills, including the ability to take initiative, problem solve, prioritize duties, balance competing priorities, work independently, and within a fast-paced environment, paying close attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
Expertise and experience handling sensitive and controversial issues.
Highly collaborative style, high energy, initiative, maturity, and leadership skills.
Confidentiality and Discretion - Must possess a high level of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
Proficient in Microsoft programs, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

Work closely and collaboratively with all BOC teams to coordinate communication and meetings with various stakeholders.
Assist with preparation of testimony and background materials for City Council oversight and budget hearings.
Review and prepare comments on relevant legislative proposals.
Proactively develop the Board’s legislative agenda and propose legislation that positively impacts BOC’s oversight authority.
Assist in the successful identification of meeting spaces that allow for hybrid remote and in-person public Board meetings.
Coordinate intergovernmental/public affairs activities with other agencies and organizations.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge base on critical issues in correctional and criminal justice reform and policy.
Ensure materials provided to the jails for use of people in custody and DOC staff in the jails, including Minimum Standards, are accessible, up to date, and accurate.
Develop and maintain relationships with DOC, CHS, elected officials, advocates, and community-based organizations on behalf of BOC.
Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned, including serving as the agency’s Records Management Officer.
Onboard new Board Members
Oversee all Board meetings (typically monthly), including agenda preparation, meeting materials, and coordination with relevant agencies.
Manage Board Member materials in advance of every public meeting.
Prepare and produce various confidential reports and documents, including original research and briefing sheets, compiling/reformatting materials, and assisting with Board mailing distributions.
Oversee all communications and press-related items for the Board.
Draft internal and external communications, including brochures, posters, press releases, reports, and other materials.
Serve as agency contact and spokesperson for press and for coordination with press offices of other city agencies.
Maintain the agency website, including producing content.
Prepare briefing materials, speeches, statements, and talking points, and compile background information in a timely fashion.
Prepare Executive Director and General Counsel for internal and external meetings, attend meetings and conduct follow-up on the Executive Director and/or General Counsel’s behalf.
Other duties as assigned.