Speechwriter

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New York seeks a dedicated Speechwriter to craft speeches and communications for the Police Commissioner and department leadership. This role focuses on clear, impactful language aligned with public safety priorities.

Responsibilities include drafting speeches, remarks, talking points, and related materials; supporting media events; translating complex issues into accessible language; and coordinating with NYPD bureaus to verify facts and ensure accuracy.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2+ years’ experience in speech writing or journalism.
• Strong written communication 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, 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.
• Edit and proofread 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.

Skills

Speech writing

Journalism experience

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

• Job Category: Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs
• Salary Band: $100,000 to $125,000
• Compensation: USD 80,000 - USD 125,000

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

Qualifications

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

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.