Chief Communications Officer

*The proposed salary will be commensurate with the selected candidates experience and preferred skills.

The New York City Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC) oversees a transportation ecosystem that moves nearly one million riders every single day which is the equivalent of the entire transit system of a medium sized city. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) is the agency responsible for regulating New York Citys taxicab and for-hire vehicle industry. With 180000 licensed drivers and the iconic yellow taxi at the heart of our citys identity TLC is entering a new era of dignity accountability and collaboration across the for-hire vehicle sector. TLC continues to be on the front lines of a rapidly changing mobility landscape and our innovative efforts--whether requiring minimum pay for app drivers ensuring wheelchair accessible service making our licensed fleet more environmentally sustainable working to eliminate traffic fatalities or preventing discriminatory service--often serve as a model for other cities.

We are seeking a strategic imaginative politically savvy Chief Communications Officer (CCO) to help shape and amplify this new chapter of TLC focused on three major strategic priorities: driver and passenger dignity corporate accountability and a transportation system that works together. This is a rare opportunity to lead communications for one of the most visible impactful and culturally resonant public agencies in New York City.

The CCO will report to the Commissioner and will serve as TLCs on-the-record Communications Director the primary voice of the agency across traditional media social platforms public events and crisis communications. The Chief Communications Officer oversees a small team working closely with the Commissioners Office the Office of Community Affairs and policy and operations teams to ensure communications is not an afterthought but a driver of trust transparency and meaningful engagement.

The CCO will lead the charge on four core goals:

1) Reintroduce the Taxi and Limousine Commission to Drivers and the Public
2) Show TLC Work & Amplify Our New Era Agenda
3) Create Feedback Loops That Inform Policy & Operations
4) Democratize TLC Communications and Build Agency Reach

Key Responsibilities
- Serve as TLCs primary spokesperson and on-the-record Communications Director including for media interviews press events and public-facing communications.
- Manage proactive and reactive media relations including media campaigns in coordination with the Mayors Press Office including crisis communications and rapid response message development and reputation management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with traditional community ethnic labor transportation policy and non-traditional media.
- Serve as the Commissioners top communications advisor providing support on media strategy and build a positive brand identity for the agency.
- Lead and mentor a small collaborative communications team that punches above its weight and works closely with the Commissioners Office and with the Policy Operations and Community Affairs teams.
- Build and oversee an agency-wide internal communications strategy in collaboration with Human Resources.
- Oversee TLCs digital platforms including social media newsletters web content and other public-facing channels ensuring they are engaging accessible accurate and aligned with agency values.
- Create storytelling campaigns that highlight TLCs work including driver and passenger experiences behind-the-scenes operations and policy wins.
- Identify and develop proactive communications opportunities that elevate TLCs public-facing initiatives and presence at events and community forums including Commissioner facing events.
- Oversee agency press events with TLC staff and the Mayors Press Office.
- Support the Commissioner and senior leadership with speeches talking points and strategic messaging as needed.
- Ensure all communications are culturally competent multilingual accessible and consistent with the agencys tone and vision including public hearings town halls TLC reports.
- Foster a creative collegial and fun communications culture that encourages experimentation and bold ideas.

To Apply:

Please go to and search for Job ID# 803520 or click the Apply button below.

SUBMISSION OF A RESUME IS NOT A GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE AN INTERVIEW.

APPOINTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO OVERSIGHT APPROVAL.

Additional Information:
- This position requires regular travel throughout NYCs five boroughs.
- This position also requires flexibility to work outside of regular business hours and may require availability during evenings and weekends seven days a week based on operational needs.

Work Location:
New York NY

PRESS SECRETARY (TLC) - 95786

Qualifications :

- Minimum 5-10 years of experience in strategic communications public affairs government advocacy or related fields.
- Experience managing a team of communications professionals with diverse portfolios.
- A track record of serving as an on the record spokesperson or senior communications lead with experience in reputation management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to take complex policy into simplified and succinct messages.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement public-facing communications strategies beyond traditional media.
- Exceptional political acumen and the ability to navigate complex high visibility environments with grace and clarity.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while collaborating effectively with senior leadership internal teams external partners and other stakeholders.
- Commitment to equity dignity accountability and excellence in public service.

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 individuals sex race color ethnicity national origin age religion disability sexual orientation veteran status gender identity or pregnancy.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time