Press Officer

City of New York•Brooklyn, NY

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. We are staffed by more than 200 dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, including individuals assigned from other City agencies. The External Affairs division works to engage with New Yorkers, elected officials, community organizations, private businesses and regional partners to inform them about the agency’s and the City’s efforts before, during, and after an emergency. Its units include Public Information (Press and Communications), Government Relations, and Strategic Partnerships. The Public Information unit is comprised of two units: Press and Communications. Press serves as the spokespeople for the agency. Communications works in conjunction with other External Affairs divisions to prepare and disseminate NYC Emergency Management’s preparedness message as well as promote the initiatives of all agency units. New York City Emergency Management seeks a Press Officer to join its External Affairs bureau and serve on the front line of the City's public communications during emergencies, major incidents, and daily agency operations. The Press Officer serves as an agency spokesperson, manages relationships with news media, and helps develop and execute public information strategies that reach New Yorkers with clear, timely, and accurate information. The role requires strong judgment, excellent writing, sound news instincts, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, high-pressure environments. This position is suited for a communications professional who can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy, translate complex information for broad audiences, and exercise sound judgment when the stakes are high.

Requirements

A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a state's department of education or a recognized accrediting organization and six years of satisfactory full-time professional experience in one or a combination of the following: emergency management, fire, police, or military service, public safety, public health, public administration, urban planning, engineering, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made; or
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of satisfactory full time professional experience in the areas listed in "1" above; or
A master's degree from an accredited college in emergency management, public administration, urban planning, engineering, economics, political science, the physical sciences ,or related field and one year of satisfactory full-time professional experience in the areas listed “1" above, at least two years of which must have been in one of those areas, or another specialized area to which the appointment is to be made.
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer support to be eligible for selection.
The selected candidate will be required to be in person in the office location three days per week, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in press, public relations, journalism, government communications, or a related field.
Experience with government, emergency management, or the New York City press corps is strongly preferred.
Experience working in New York City government, politics, media, or civic affairs, with a strong understanding of the City's government, communities, geography, and media environment.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, exercise sound judgment during fast-moving situations, and work evenings, weekends, or other non-standard hours when emergencies require.
Excellent writing, editing, research, and verbal communication skills, including familiarity with AP style and experience developing media or communications strategies.
Strong organizational and coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Strong news judgment and the ability to identify emerging issues, anticipate media interest, and translate complex information into clear public-facing language.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common media monitoring, digital communications, audio, or multimedia production tools.
Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is a plus.
Demonstrated ability in the following areas: Knowledge, Work Ethic and Productivity, Strategic Problem Solving and Innovation, Effective Communication, Teamwork.

Responsibilities

Serve as an agency spokesperson and primary liaison to reporters, government agencies, City Hall, and external partners.
Respond to press inquiries by rapidly gathering information, coordinating with subject-matter experts, and developing accurate, clear, and timely responses.
Write and edit press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, pitches, and other public-facing materials.
Help coordinate sensitive and deadline-driven communications during emergencies and major citywide incidents.
Provide dedicated media support during emergency operations, including evenings, weekends, and other non-standard hours when necessary.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, trade, and community media.
Identify opportunities to advance NYCEM's work, expertise, preparedness initiatives, and public profile through proactive media engagement.
Monitor breaking news, emerging issues, and relevant policy developments that may affect the agency or require a communications response.
Plan and support press conferences, media availabilities, interviews, and public events.
Maintain media lists, monitoring systems, and other tools necessary for an effective press operation.
Collaborate across External Affairs and with agency programs to develop stories highlighting NYCEM personnel, operations, and initiatives.
Support special projects and other high-priority communications assignments as needed.
Participate on an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team, which may require working evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts during emergency activations.
Participate in periodic training and exercises to maintain operational readiness.
May volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups.
Be on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.