Communications Director

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 147,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York’s Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) seeks a Communications Director to lead public-facing messaging, shape strategy, and elevate the office’s profile in line with disability justice and equity goals. You will supervise the communications team, coordinate with city partners and media, and advise the Commissioner.

You will ensure clear, accessible communications across press, digital, speeches, and events, while advancing policy priorities and serving NYers

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree and at least six years of communications experience in government, advocacy, nonprofit, or campaigns.
• Experience working with senior leaders and making executive-level decisions.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Experience working with journalists and media organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee MOPD’s strategic communications agenda to expand reach and elevate the Commissioner’s and Mayor’s vision.
• Advise the Commissioner on communications and public information matters and report to the Chief of Staff.
• Lead media targeting, pitching, and relationship management with diverse outlets.
• Create proactive media campaigns and outreach to advance advocacy priorities.
• Review, edit, and write copy for public-facing materials and speeches.
• Supervise the Communications Team and coordinate with partner agencies.

Skills

Written communication

Strategic communications

Media relations

Executive communication

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Premiere Pro

InDesign

Photoshop

Job description

The Agency You’ll Join

The New York City Mayor’s Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. The administration is leading the fight in making the city more affordable, reducing inequality, improving public safety, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, and working to make New York City’s economy stronger. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. For current job opportunities, visit our careers page.

The Team You’ll Work With

For half a century, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has been the liaison between the New York City government and the disability community. In partnership with City offices and agencies, MOPD ensures City initiatives, programs, and policies address the needs and interests of people with disabilities. The office regularly engages in advocacy and policymaking at the local, state, national, and international levels to make certain accessibility and full inclusion are key priorities for all public and private stakeholders alike.

The Problems You’ll Solve

The Communications Director is responsible for the public-facing voice of MOPD. They will develop and oversee MOPD’s strategic communications agenda with the ultimate goals of expanding its reach, elevating its public profile, and advancing the Commissioner’s and Mayor’s vision for MOPD. The Communications Director will advise the Commissioner on all communications and public information matters, and report to the Chief of Staff.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Develop a cohesive voice through all communications media, such as press responses, proactive press engagements, digital communications, branding, web content, issue briefs, reports, emergency response communications, social media, public appearances, and more.
• Manage the rollout of creative, sophisticated, and effective communications projects.
• Ensure all public messaging adheres to the values and mission of MOPD and the Mamdani administration.
• Manage media story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management.
• Plan proactive and creative media campaigns and outreach.
• Review, edit, and write copy for all MOPD public-facing materials as needed.
• Write speeches, testimonies, quotes, and remarks in the Commissioner’s voice.
• Collaborate with staff and partner agencies to promote events and public resources.
• Staff the Commissioner during public appearances to ensure smooth event execution.
• Apprise leadership of potential issues with respect to public information and provide recommendations in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with communications counterparts in other Mayor’s Offices, city agencies, and external media partners.
• Create an effective and collaborative work environment that supports excellence in public service while centering the perspective of people with disabilities.
• Coordinate and direct other communications projects as identified by MOPD leadership.
• Supervise the Communications Team staff.

About You

• You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and copy-editing.
• You have strong communications judgment with demonstrated ability to set and execute strategic communications projects.
• You understand the New York media market and policy landscape.
• You have experience working with senior leaders and making executive-level decisions.
• You have experience working with journalists and media organizations.
• You can coordinate multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment.
• You have excellent analytical thinking, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills.
• You commit to disability justice, accessibility, and improving the lives of NYers with disabilities.
• You commit to racial and economic justice.

Minimum Required Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and at least six (6) or more years of communications experience - preferably in government, advocacy, nonprofit, or campaign settings.
• Education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Do you have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university?
• Do you have an associate degree from an accredited college or university along with two (2) years of experience with administrative, analytic, coordinative, supervisory or liaison responsibilities?
• Do you have a four-year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent approved by a state's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization along with four (4) years of experience as described in question "2" above?
• Do you have a satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that described in questions "1," "2," and/or "3" above?

Preferred Skills

• Experience developing communications strategies to advance advocacy or policy priorities. - Experience with social media content strategy. - Experience working with elected officials or other high-profile principals. - Familiarity with City Hall press and communications. - Familiarity with diverse media markets, including ethnic media outlets. - Familiarity with design, video editing, or publication software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Premier Pro, InDesign, and Photoshop.

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 the interview.

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.

, $147,045.00 – $151,593.00