Executive Director

Executive Director

Department of Design & Construction

Location: Queens

Full-time

Exam may be required

Department: OCP/Public Information

Salary: $83,718 – $170,942

Job Description

Hours: Full-Time Position – 35 Hours

Work Location: 30-30 Thomson Avenue, LIC, NY 11101

Only candidates who are permanent Administrative Public Information Specialist or those who are reachable on the open-competitive list for exam #5006 may apply. Please include a copy of your Notice of Results card or indicate if you are already permanent in the title. If you do not meet the previously mentioned civil service criteria, you will not be considered for an interview. The NYC Department of Design and Construction, Division of Communications & Policy, seeks an Executive Director of Public Information. The Executive Director will serve as a critical member of the Communications and Policy Division and will perform a series of tasks under the direction of the Division's Associate Commissioner. With independent execution, the selected candidate will also collaborate with other Division team members, DDC colleagues and external agency partners. Responsibilities include but are not limited to; leading a dynamic and responsive communications team that proactively develops and pitches stories in newspapers, industry journals, digital/internet media and magazines; finds additional media opportunities online, on radio, television, and social media to highlight DDC success stories and promote key issues. The Executive Director will pitch and place articles related to DDC's project achievements on critical policy issues like procurement reform, staff profiles, general interest, and more; Draft and oversee responses to the media and public (i.e. general media; event inquiries; events attended by or on behalf of the Commissioner, as requested). Maintain interaction with the Mayor's Press Office and press officers from various City agencies and build relationships. Oversee event preparations for the Commissioner for speeches, public addresses, event attendance, ribbon cuttings, draft hearing testimony etc.; Collaborate with the Digital Media Strategy and Creative Services teams on various initiatives, as well as with all the divisions within the agency. The Executive Director will oversee a Public Information Officer, providing supervision and guidance to the individual, encouraging growth and creativity. Work closely with other Units across the agency to generate ideas, as well as with the Intergovernmental and Community Outreach teams that are part of the Communications and Policy Division. Conduct and manage special projects as assigned. Please note: All candidates must be currently authorized to work full-time in the United States (U.S.). In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates are required to present original documents proving citizenship or the legal right to work in the U.S. DDC is unable to support or sponsor any visa application or visa extension, including but not limited to OPT/STEM visas, H-1B visas, F-1 practical training, permanent residence sponsorship, or any proposed change of visa type. DDC does not offer a training program as required by U.S. immigration law, and is not hiring temporary employees. Candidates must have proper work authorization when an employment offer is made. Additionally, educational credentials must be from a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accredited institution. Credentials from foreign institutions require independent equivalency verification from an approved evaluation service. A list of providers (fees apply) is available at:

Minimum Qualifications

1. A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; or 2. A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism or advertising.

Preferred Skills

Candidates should have professional experience in public relations, politics, communications, and an understanding of construction, with an eagerness to learn. Candidates must be detail-oriented and demonstrate interpersonal, diplomacy, discretion, reliability, and organizational skills. Candidates must be able to work with a wide range of constituencies and diverse communities address sensitive and complex questions handle conflict and manage various tasks. Familiarity with public policy analysis and the ability to navigate intergovernmental relations, community engagement, and to communicate concisely and effectively across internal and external stakeholder communities is preferred. Candidates are required to attend meetings after normal business hours, which may include nighttime travel. Computer skills with emphasis on Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are required. A valid Motor Vehicle Driver's license is essential and the ability to travel throughout the five boroughs of NYC.

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

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.