Deputy Chief of Communications

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 186,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York’s Bronx District Attorney’s Office seeks a Deputy Chief of Communications to lead media relations and public information efforts. The role requires strong journalism, public information, and leadership capabilities to support the Chief of Communications in serving the Bronx community.

You will manage day-to-day operations, supervise staff, handle inquiries, and prepare communications for external audiences and internal stakeholders, including court appearances and events.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years in a supervisory role.
• Master’s degree in communications, public relations or related field.
• Experience as a journalist covering crime or criminal justice in NYC.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Communications with day-to-day operations of the unit.
• Supervise, train and guide staff under the Chief of Communications.
• Handle media inquiries, arrange interviews, press conferences.
• Write press releases, newsletters and internal memos.
• Prepare speeches, testimony and PowerPoints for DA.
• Attend court proceedings and accompany DA to events.
• Mentor a staff of six; manage multiple duties.

Skills

Journalism experience

Media relations

Public information

Writing & editing

Oral communication

MS Office, Adobe, Zoom

Interagency collaboration

Leadership & supervision

Education

Master's degree in communications/public relations/strategic communications

Bachelor's degree in journalism/communications

Tools

MS Office

Outlook

Word

Excel

Adobe

MS Teams

Zoom

Social media tools

Job description

• Job Category: Constituent Services & Community Programs
• Salary Band: $150,000+
• Compensation: USD 185,500 - USD 185,500

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

Qualifications

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

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.