Communications Associate

The Communications Division is responsible for advising and serving the Speaker and Council Members in all areas of Press relations, including organizing press conferences, developing media strategies and responding to breaking news. The Division also assists the Speaker and Council Members in drafting speeches, op-ed articles, columns and letters to the editor. The Division coordinates web content management training sessions and assists Council Members with strategies across all media platforms.


We are seeking a Communications Associate to join our Communications Division. The Communications Associate will work closely with senior staff and the Communications Division.


SALARY RANGE:


$65,000 to $75,000


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the division's digital and traditional media efforts to effectively promote the City Council's priorities and support Council Members.
• Works across digital, press, team coordination, and speech writing.
• Provide strategic communications support for digital and traditional media efforts.
• Support development of traditional media materials, including drafting and editing briefing documents, talking points, statements, media advisories, press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor.
• Develop social media and web content in support of the digital team, including the development and use of copy, graphics, video, and other media.
• Assist staff across the Communications Division to effectively perform its core responsibilities and day-to-day operations, including tracking press inquiries.
• Assist in vetting reviews of publicly available materials, including social media accounts.
• Monitor news and social media, identifying emerging issues of relevance for the entire team, and developing portfolio-specific clips reports for press secretaries and other staff.
• Build and update press lists, monitoring areas of coverage by specific reporters.
• Performing other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience in media relations, communications, government, public affairs, or a related field.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to synthesize complex information for general audiences.
• Prior New York City media, government, legislative, and/or public affairs experience is strongly preferred.
• Skills and experience developing and supporting digital and traditional media efforts.
• Experience simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities in an effective way.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, often under short and shifting deadlines and in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours. Team members will be required to be on-call nights, early mornings, weekends, and on holidays, as necessary.
• Ability to effectively work with a team, independently, and capable of interacting with a broad range of individuals.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language highly desired but not required.
• Creative thinker with a sense of humor and ability to be flexible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:


New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.


For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.


The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io .


HOW TO APPLY:


Qualified candidates should forward their resume, cover letter and a writing sample to :

E-MAIL: View email address on click.appcast.io


MAIL: New York City Council


Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (CA)


250 Broadway, 26th Floor


New York, New York 10007


FAX: View phone number on click.appcast.io


While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.


The New York City Council 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.