EXECUTIVE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

City of New York•New York, NY

16h•$237,065 - $237,065

About The Position

The Department of Social Services (DSS), which includes the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), is recruiting an Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC) for Strategic Communications. The EDC provides leadership and operational oversight for external and internal communications and intergovernmental affairs. Reporting to the DSS Commissioner, the EDC ensures public communications are timely, accurate, and aligned with agency priorities; coordinates media engagement; strengthens digital and social presence; supports internal communications and marketing; and manages relationships with legislative and government stakeholders. With wide latitude for independent judgment and decision-making, the EDC advances agency priorities through coordinated policy, communications, and legislative engagement. The role shapes the DSS-HRA-DHS public narrative, builds relationships with the City Council and other government entities, and aligns internal operations with external messaging and strategic goals.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, and/or government relations.
Demonstrated experience managing multichannel communications programs and legislative engagement in a government or public-sector environment.
Experience with crisis communications and cross-agency coordination.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree, such as in Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Oversee the administration and operation of the Strategic Communications Office.
Execute, monitor, and oversee the Office of Communications and Marketing, including internal and external communications, employee communications, marketing, advertising, and graphic services.
Lead the development and coordination of press and broadcast media communications about HRA and DHS activities and promote the agencies’ image.
Oversee engagement with media representatives, responses to media inquiries, provision of information about programs, policies, and services, and efforts to secure coverage of agency accomplishments.
Advise the DSS Commissioner, HRA and DHS Administrators, and senior executives on public relations strategy and policy issues; oversee analysis and responses concerning legislative policy and administrative guidelines to reflect DSS priorities and initiatives.
Work with the Commissioner, the Mayor’s Office, and Administrators on agency legislative and policy priorities and messaging; participate in legislative strategy and prepare talking points for community notification meetings, particularly for high-profile projects.
Guide the Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs team in maintaining political relationships, meeting with elected officials and their staff, and responding to constituent complaints referred by elected officials.
Provide executive guidance on public information planning and coordinate public relations and proactive public information activities across HRA, DHS, and their component agencies.
Represent the Commissioner before legislative bodies, city, state, and federal agencies, government officials, and business contacts within the assigned area of responsibility.
Serve on steering and policymaking groups to support service delivery, new initiatives, program development, and community and governmental engagement and outreach.