Senior Advisor for Communications

City of New York; Manhattan (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York’s Mayor’s Office for International Affairs seeks a Senior Advisor for Communications to lead press relations, message development, rapid response, and multimedia storytelling.

You will work with the Commissioner, City Hall Press Office, and relevant City agencies to elevate IA’s work and connect international initiatives to the lives of New Yorkers. Residency is required; 7+ years in communications and multilingual proficiency are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, digital media, public affairs, international relations, or related fields, including experience in video production, social media content creation, graphic design, and media relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement communications strategies to advance IA’s priorities and public profile.
• Lead press engagement, media pitches, press releases, interview coordination, and earned media opportunities.
• Lead rapid response communications on international issues in coordination with City Hall Press Office.
• Draft speeches, talking points, statements, and other communications for IA leadership.
• Lead video and multimedia production for interviews, short-form videos, and event coverage.

Skills

Strong writing

Videography

Editing

Storytelling

Multilingual proficiency

Education

Bachelor's Degree

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

The Mayor’s Office for International Affairs connects New York City to the world by building partnerships with the international community, including the United Nations, foreign governments, consulates, trade missions, and global city networks. As home to one of the world’s largest immigrant populations and the headquarters of the United Nations, New York City is uniquely positioned to serve as a global center for solidarity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The Office advances the City’s priorities through international cooperation and city diplomacy, strengthening relationships between international partners, City agencies, and local communities. Through diplomatic engagement and global partnerships, the Office works to elevate the voices and diversity of New Yorkers while ensuring that global cooperation delivers tangible benefits for working people across the five boroughs.

The Problems You’ll Solve

The Senior Advisor for Communications supports the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs (IA) in communicating New York City’s global engagement and international leadership. Working closely with the Commissioner, City Hall Press Office, and relevant City agencies, the Advisor leads press relations, message development, rapid response communications, and video production to elevate IA’s work and connect international initiatives to the lives of New Yorkers.

Specifically, the Senior Advisor for Communications will:

• Develop and implement communications strategies that advance IA’s priorities and strengthen its public profile.
• Lead press engagement, including media pitches, press releases, interview coordination, and earned media opportunities, in partnership with the City Hall Press Office.
• Lead rapid response communications on emerging international issues, sensitive diplomatic matters, and high-profile events, coordinating closely with the City Hall Press Office to ensure timely, strategic, and effective messaging.
• Draft speeches, talking points, statements, and other communications for IA leadership.
• Lead video and multimedia production, including interviews, short-form videos, and event coverage that bring the City’s international engagement to life.
• Coordinate press, photography, and video coverage of diplomatic meetings, international delegations, and public events.
• Translate complex international affairs and policy issues into compelling public narratives across media and digital platforms.

About You:

• You have strong writing, videography, and editing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy and government work into clear, compelling multimedia storytelling.
• You have exceptional judgment and discretion, with the ability to navigate high-pressure, high-visibility, and politically sensitive situations while working effectively with senior leadership, government agencies, communications teams, and external partners.
• You have knowledge of New York City’s diaspora communities, global politics, and international social movements.
• You have a sophisticated understanding of New York City's role on the global stage and how the City should engage with international partners, navigate complex geopolitical dynamics, and advance its priorities through diplomacy and strategic communications.

Special Assistant (MA)-MGRL - 0668A

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, digital media, public affairs, international relations, or related fields, including experience in video production, social media content creation, graphic design, and media relations, or equivalent professional experience.

Preferred Skills

• You have multilingual proficiency, with the ability to engage effectively with international partners and New York City’s diverse immigrant communities.
• You have robust relationship management experience involving diverse groups and individuals.
• You have excellent project management, facilitation, writing, and communication skills.
• You can work independently, actively seek collaboration, and support colleagues in their work.

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.

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.