Director Of Communications Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
• A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to '1' or '2' above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in '2' above.
• Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in '1' and '2' above.

Nice To Haves

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in public health or behavioral health contexts.
• Experience in media relations, digital communications, and the development of public-facing messaging campaigns or materials.
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written work products under deadline, including press statements, talking points, social media content, toolkits, and executive communications.
• Experience working in or with government agencies or large mission-driven organizations preferred.
• Multilingual ability a plus.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead proactive identification of divisional communications priorities through community engagement, stakeholder listening, and ongoing analysis of the public’s behavioral health information needs.
• Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities in behavioral health communications, ensuring that strategies are data-driven and evidence-based.
• Lead rapid-response communications during public health events, behavioral health crises, or policy developments requiring timely, accurate, and accessible public-facing messaging.
• Ensure communications are accessible, culturally responsive, and available in languages that reflect the diversity of New York City’s communities, in partnership with relevant agency offices.
• Design and implement research initiatives to evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies, including community surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, to inform continuous improvement.
• Directly supervise and mentor the Division’s Communications Officer, supporting their professional development and ensuring high-quality execution of communications work products.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate research findings into communications planning and decision-making processes.
• Support additional communications and research projects as identified by agency or bureau leadership.

Benefits

• Federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs
• Premium-free health insurance plan
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined benefit pension plan
• Tax-deferred savings program
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program