Speechwriter

New York City; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York is seeking a Speechwriter for the NYPD to draft speeches, talking points, and internal and public messages for the Police Commissioner and leadership. You will support press events, briefings, and high‑priority appearances, translating complex public safety topics into clear language.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s degree and 2+ years in speech writing or journalism, with strong writing, editing, and research skills and the ability to work under deadline pressure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 2+ years’ experience in speech writing or journalism.
• Experience drafting speeches, talking points, statements, or other public-facing communications.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.

Responsibilities

• Draft speeches, remarks, talking points, briefing materials, internal messages, video scripts, op-eds, statements, quotes, and other written materials for the Police Commissioner and department leadership.
• Support preparation for press conferences, public events, ceremonies, internal meetings, legislative hearings, media engagements, and other high‑priority appearances.
• Translate complex public safety issues, operational updates, crime trends, policy initiatives, and department priorities into clear, accurate language.
• Collaborate with bureaus across the NYPD to gather information, verify facts, and ensure materials reflect the department’s work accurately.
• Edit and proofread executive communications for clarity, tone, accuracy, grammar, and consistency.
• Align communications with NYPD’s mission, standards, and priorities.
• Track public safety issues, major events, and department initiatives to support timely communications.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Skills

Speech writing

Public communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The mission of the New York City Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in New York City by working in partnership with the community to enforce the law, preserve peace, protect the people, reduce fear, and maintain order. The New York City Police Department strives to foster a safe and fair city through the strategic deployment of resources, focusing on both crime prevention and addressing quality‑of‑life concerns while building lasting community relationships.

The selected candidate will perform the duties of a Speechwriter. The responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to, the following:

• Draft speeches, remarks, talking points, briefing materials, internal messages, video scripts, op‑eds, statements, quotes, and other written materials for the Police Commissioner and department leadership.
• Support preparation for press conferences, public events, ceremonies, internal meetings, legislative hearings, media engagements, and other high‑priority appearances.
• Help translate complex public safety issues, operational updates, crime trends, policy initiatives, and department priorities into clear, accurate, and compelling language.
• Work with bureaus across the NYPD to gather information, verify facts, and ensure written materials reflect the department s work accurately and responsibly.
• Assist with editing and proofreading executive communications materials for clarity, tone, accuracy, grammar, and consistency.
• Help ensure communications are aligned with the NYPD’s mission, standards, and priorities.
• Track public safety issues, major events, department initiatives, and relevant news to support timely and informed executive communications.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.

STRATEGIC INITIATIVE SPECIALIS - 06944

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and 2+ years’ experience in speech writing or journalism.

Preferred Skills

• At least two years of professional writing experience, preferably in government, public affairs, journalism, communications, public relations, policy, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and research skills.
• Ability to write clearly and quickly under deadline pressure.
• Experience drafting speeches, talking points, statements, briefing materials, or other public-facing communications.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive information.
• Ability to work collaboratively with senior staff and subject‑matter experts.
• Interest in public safety, city government, law enforcement, public policy, or crisis communications.
• Excellent work ethic, resolute integrity, and demonstrated commitment to delivering high‑quality work as part of a team.

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.