Writer

Public Health Solutions • New York, NY

12h • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is a large public health agency serving 8 million New Yorkers. With grant funds from the CDC, DOHMH is undertaking an initiative to modernize its capabilities and data infrastructure to improve public health outcomes. The selected candidate will be an employee of Public Health Solutions (PHS), a nonprofit organization managing the grant, but will report to DOHMH. This is a grant-funded position ending in November 2027.

The Office of External Affairs manages critical public interactions, and the Bureau of Communications within it develops marketing campaigns, creates informational materials, and manages the agency's website and social media. The Content and Copy team specifically focuses on writing, editing, and creating content for key health topics and emergency situations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, advanced degree or equivalent professional experience a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience editorial planning, ghost writing, and/or internal communication.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, concise, and compelling messaging.
• Skilled interviewer with an understanding of how to put people at ease and solicit stories.
• Understanding of newsletter production workflows.
• Familiarity with internal communications metrics and an ability to adapt to increase engagement.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables and deadlines simultaneously.
• Collaborative mindset with strong interpersonal skills and comfort working with cross-functional partners.
• Strong understanding of editorial workflows, approval processes, also including managing an internal communications process.
• Familiarity with New York City government, civic engagement initiatives, or public health is highly desirable.
• A strong collaborative partner that thrives in a team environment
• An organized detailed professional that will create and maintain a robust internal communications archive and story bank.
• Interest in speechwriting, as this role will occasionally support the Commissioner of Health’s speechwriter.
• Flexibility to perform additional duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with content accessibility standards and best practices for plain language.
• Project management: administer deadlines, priorities, and long-term deliverables simultaneously.
• Cultural competency: creating inclusive content and engaging respectfully with diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the lead writer for the NYC Health Commissioner’s internal content.
• Plan, set-up, and conduct all internal interviews with staff on deadline.
• Plan and execute internal communications content with support from the executive communications manager for the NYC Health Commissioner.
• Serve as a fierce champion and advocate of internal staff, uplifting the stories of NYC Health Department employees.
• Source and identify internal stories to feature toward an audience of 7,000 colleagues to create a credible, concise tone across all departments, in final publishing.
• Manage all logistics related to story selection and meet a weekly deadline.
• Occasionally provide research and drafting support to the Executive Communications Manager and/or the Deputy Speechwriter on remarks, video scripts, and social copy.
• Manage urgent deadlines and juggle multiple priorities at once.
• Develop creative messaging and strategies to elevate the profile of the NYC Health Commissioner to agency staff.
• Develop and maintain master internal communications calendar for the executive communications team, aligned with the Communications Bureau’s strategy.
• Work in collaboration with agency’s creative communications team on design elements of newsletter.
• Translate staff stories into social media copy.
• Coordinate with other departments within the Agency for the production Commissioner’s weekly newsletter including working closely with internal subject matter experts and creative design partners to ensure accuracy and professionalism of all content.
• Be a platform-fluid writer, with an ability to contribute to broader executive communications strategy and projects.
• Ensure all content meets accessibility, inclusivity, and language access standards.

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Schedule.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits.
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.
• 403 (b) + employer matching and discretionary company contributions.
• College Savings Plan.
• Ongoing training and continuous opportunities for professional growth and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level