Deputy Chief of Communications

Bronx District Attorney; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Bronx County District Attorney's Office is seeking a Deputy Chief of Communications to lead the Communications / Public Information Unit, supervise a team, and manage media relations for the Bronx community.

The role requires journalism experience in crime reporting and strong writing skills, with a focus on accurate, timely public messaging and internal communications.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in communications, public relations, political communication, or strategic communications.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience as a journalist covering crime and the criminal justice system in NYC for 7–10 years.
• Strong knowledge of Bronx County, NYC communities, and the Criminal Justice system.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Communications with day-to-day operations of the Communications / Public Information Unit.
• Supervise, train, and provide guidance to communication staff under the direction of the Chief of Communication.
• Handle media inquiries, arrange interviews, organize press conferences.
• Write press releases, external newsletters, and internal communications such as memos, newsletters.
• Prepare speeches, testimony, and PowerPoints for DA.
• Attend court proceedings.
• Accompany DA to events, meetings, and external press conferences.
• Mentor and supervise a staff of (6) staff members.
• All other duties assigned.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Strong writing and communication

Public-facing communications

Education

Master’s degree in communications or related field

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office Suite

Outlook

Word

Excel

Adobe

MS Teams

Zoom

Social media management

Job description

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community.

By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants.

Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice.

By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day.

In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Deputy Chief of Communications.

The Communications / Public Information Office is looking for a Deputy Chief of Communications, who should have strong knowledge of New York City, the Bronx, the Criminal Justice System, police issues and crime as well as past experience as a journalist covering these subjects.

The Deputy Chief of Communications will use their knowledge and experience to assist the Chief of Communications in handling media requests and disseminating news of the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to the media and the public as well as handling internal communications for the Office.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Chief of Communications with day-to-day operations of the Communications / Public Information Unit.
• Supervise, train, and provide guidance to communication staff under the direction of the Chief of Communication.
• Handle media inquiries, arrange interviews, organize press conferences.
• Write press releases, external newsletters, and internal communications such as memos, newsletters.
• Prepare speeches, testimony, and PowerPoints for DA.
• Attend court proceedings.
• Accompany DA to events, meetings, and external press conferences.
• Mentor and supervise a staff of (6) staff members.
• All other duties assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role.
• A master’s degree in communications, public relations, political communication, or strategic communications.

Hours / Shift: Monday - Friday, some nights and weekends.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience as a journalist covering crime, the criminal justice system, and police issues in New York City for seven to 10 years can be combined with experience as a public information officer or spokesperson role in these areas.
• Knowledge of the diversity and complexity of Bronx County.
• Strong understanding of the Criminal Justice system, and the NYC and Bronx communities
• Proficient in MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe, MS Teams, Zoom, and social media.
• Excellent writing, editing, oral and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to effectively engage in inter/intra agency collaboration and navigate a variety of systems.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

DEPUTY DIR OF COMMUNICATIONS - 30823

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public relations, advertising, or closely related fields.

2. High school diploma or its educational equivalent and 8 years of full-time, paid experience in the areas stated in "1" above.

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

City Residency is not required for this position

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.