Communications Director

$60,000 - $80,000/Yr

New York City Council

Full-time - Mid Level

About the position

The Communications Director for a New York City Council Member will manage and develop strategic communication plans that align with the Majority Leader's policies. This role is essential for promoting the Council Member's profile, district work, and policy agenda, while collaborating with the Chief of Staff and constituent services staff to address constituent issues effectively.

Responsibilities

• Craft and implement the Majority Leader's communications strategy, setting messaging goals and strategies for all areas of communications work.
• Plan communications by designing media campaigns that align with the Majority Leader's marketing, branding, and communication goals.
• Maintain platform selection for communications strategy by choosing the most effective media platforms based on target audiences and campaign objectives.
• Draft talking points, statements, and speeches for the Majority Leader; collaborate with Scheduler on speaking engagement timelines.
• Oversee Digital Media Presence: manage the Majority Leader's social media presence, respond to followers, and monitor engagement; develop a content calendar and strategy for regular updates across digital media platforms.
• Work with other Council Member offices, outside allies, and advocacy organizations to coordinate effective communications strategies that advance shared policy and advocacy goals.
• Manage the office's online communications work, including drafting and sending regular district update email blasts and managing content on various websites.
• Develop strong working relationships with reporters and editors, place stories in various outlets, and respond to press inquiries.
• Plan press conferences, draft and distribute press releases and statements, and collaborate with the Legislative Associate and Chief of Staff to advance policy and budget priorities.
• Design and prepare outreach materials like flyers and social media graphics.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent work experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in communications or digital organizing, particularly in the elected, political, and non-profit advocacy space.
• Deep knowledge of District 18 and The Bronx, including its neighborhoods, history, and diverse communities.
• Strong writing skills, including in rapid response situations.
• Fluency in Spanish is highly preferred.
• Some experience in case management, organizing, or constituent services, ideally in New York City.
• Demonstrated project management and problem-solving experience.
• Strategic understanding of different social media platforms and best practices.
• Ability to stay calm in a fast-paced, high-pressure political and media environment.
• Understanding of political sensitivity.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in case management or organizing in a political context.
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative solutions to complex problems.

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance