Communications Director

Department for the Aging; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYC Department for the Aging seeks a dynamic Communications Director to serve as the agency’s spokesperson and lead the Press and Public Information unit. You will secure local and national media coverage for NYC Aging programs and manage responses to press inquiries with urgency and accuracy.

You will oversee promotional campaigns, prepare press materials, coordinate events, and supervise PPI staff while collaborating with city agencies and leadership teams to advance aging-related

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with five years of relevant professional experience in social services, community relations, public administration or management.
• Experience in an administrative or managerial capacity within a public-sector environment is preferred.
• Knowledge of the public sector and NYC government structure is advantageous.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with ability to handle press communications and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the agency’s spokesperson and lead the Press and Public Information unit.
• Pitch and place stories across local and national media outlets.
• Respond to press inquiries promptly and accurately.
• Oversee development and launch of promotional campaigns and media materials.
• Draft press releases, Op-Eds, media statements, and talking points.
• Coordinate press conferences, briefings, and media events.
• Produce and distribute publications, including newsletters and brochures.
• Support social media operations and the agency website.
• Manage media relations and crisis communications.
• Supervise staff within the Press and Public Information unit.
• Liaise with sister agency press offices and city leadership press teams.

Skills

Public sector knowledge

Aging field experience

Strategic thinking

Discretion and judgment

Interpersonal and written/verbal comms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

With an overarching mission to eliminate ageism and ensure the dignity and quality of life of approximately 1.8 million older New Yorkers, the NYC Department for the Aging is deeply committed to helping older adults age in their homes and creating a community-care approach that reflects a model age-inclusive city.
The Press and Public Information Unit (PPI) promotes the agency’s services and resources in the community through media and public outreach. The unit oversees internal and external communications. This includes managing press inquiries, NYC Aging’s public-facing website, social media channels, the creation and distribution of marketing materials, briefing documents, and media campaigns. Each month, PPI also issues a Commissioner Column and an electronic newsletter to help share news, updates, and key issues to external stakeholders. In addition, the Unit organizes the agency’s press events and helps prepare senior leadership and NYC Aging staff for public speaking and events.
NYC Aging seeks a dynamic, motivated, and detail-oriented individual to serve as the agency’s Communications Director. Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for External Affairs, the incumbent will serve as the agency’s spokesperson, lead the fast-paced work of the Press and Public Information unit and its staff, and secure local and national media coverage for the agency.
Responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the unit, the Communications Director will also oversee responses to press and media inquiries, manage the agency's presence and influence on social media, and draft briefing documents, press releases, Op-Eds, talking points and speeches.

In addition, responsibilities will include:

• Serve in a sensitive position as representative and spokesperson of the agency.
• Actively work to pitch and place stories on NYC Aging programs in various media outlets.
• Respond to all press inquiries with urgency and accuracy.
• Oversee and manage the development, release, and launch of promotional and PSA campaigns, including print, digital, radio and TV media as appropriate.
• Write press releases, Op-Eds, media statements, letters to the editor, and media advisories as needed.
• Coordinate press conferences, briefings, and press events.
• Write, produce, and distribute publications, including newsletters, brochures, and advertising.
• Support social media operations for the agency, as well as its public-facing website, and internal website (GERAS).
• Proactively manage all media relations.
• Assist with crisis communications and management.
• Supervise and develop Press and Public Information unit staff.
• Serve as liaison to sister agency press offices, the Mayor’s press/communications teams, the Mayor’s Office of Special Projects and Community Events, and the NYC Department of Records and Information Services.

ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAM OFFICE - 10084

Minimum Qualifications

1. Graduation from an accredited college with a baccalaureate degree and five (5) years of full-time, professional experience in social services, community relations, public administration or management, of which at least one and one-half years must have been in an administrative or managerial capacity; or
2. Education and experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have one and one-half years of experience in an administrative or managerial capacity.

Preferred Skills

• Preferred candidate should have knowledge, familiarity and understanding of the public sector, ideally New York City government.
• Prior professional experience in aging-related field is preferred.
• Preferred candidate should be a strategic thinker with great judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work quickly to meet the demands of a 24-hour news cycle, including working flexible hours a plus.
• Ability to deal with multiple and changing demands in a fast-paced political environment is preferred.
• Self-directed worker with ability to work effectively with other NYC Aging units, sister agencies and community partners preferred.
• Preferred candidate should possess strong interpersonal, organizational, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle a flexible work schedule that may include extended hours, weekend, and/or holidays a plus.
• Preferred candidates must be able to multi-task and prioritize workload.

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.