Director of Public Relations (New York)

Director of Public Relations

Nicholas & Lence Communications (NLC)

New York, NY

Lead, Inspire, and Drive Results at One of NYC’s Most Powerful PR Firms

Are you a seasoned PR strategist with a passion for storytelling, deeply established media relationships, and the drive to lead high-impact campaigns across some of New York’s most exciting clients? Nicholas & Lence Communications (NLC) is looking for a dynamic, collaborative, energetic and client-facing Director of Public Relations to join our team.

Who We Are: NLC is a NYC-based strategic communications, PR, and government affairs firm. We’ve been named one of the “50 Most Powerful PR Firms in America” by the New York Observer, landed a spot on City & State “New York’s Political PR Power 50,” and recognized among the “Top 50 NYC Lobbyists.” Our clients span hospitality, nonprofits, arts & culture, tourism, healthcare, BIDs, and more — and no two days look the same.

The Role: Director of Public Relations

This is a senior leadership role for a proven PR professional ready to own client relationships, support a talented team, and drive measurable results across a diverse portfolio of accounts. You’ll work closely with NLC’s CEO and SVP to shape strategy, lead pitching efforts, and serve as a trusted counselor to clients across multiple industries.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Serve as day-to-day lead and senior PR counsel across a portfolio of NLC’s various accounts
• Develop and execute comprehensive, creative PR strategies and communications plans
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, metro/regional and national reporters, editors, producers, and influencers across print, digital, broadcast, and social media
• Drive proactive story pitching and secure consistent, high-quality media placements at the local, regional, and national level
• Write and edit press releases, pitches, op-eds, talking points, and PR reports at a senior level
• Mentor junior team members, providing guidance, feedback, and support across accounts
• Manage press events, media previews, press conferences, and major announcements from concept through execution – including early morning breakfasts, evening events and weekend events. Experience going from hard hat tours to groundbreakings to formal evening events all in the same day
• Proactively identify new story angles, trends, and timely hooks to keep clients top of mind
• Support new business development by creating and contributing to proposals, presentations, and pitches
• Collaborate with NLC’s government affairs team where PR and public policy intersect

What You Bring to the Table:

• 7–10+ years of PR experience, with significant time spent at a NYC-based agency
• A proven track record of securing top-tier media placements across print, digital, and broadcast
• Established relationships with NYC metro and national media contacts across multiple verticals including network and cable broadcast, as well as social media influencers and creators
• Prepare to serve as spokesperson for clients as needed
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Self-starter who brings a collaborative and energetic approach to client campaigns
• A strategic mindset paired with a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves work ethic
• Ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines simultaneously without missing a beat
• Experience managing junior staff
• Strong knowledge of Cision, MuckRack, PR Newswire, TVEyes Insight, Google Workspace
• Crisis communications experience a strong plus
• Bachelor’s degree required
• Must live in New York City
• Must have knowledge of the City of New York, NYC transit, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and local neighborhoods – geographically and politically. NYC government knowledge or experience is a plus.

The Perks:

• Proposed Salary: $90,000–$115,000 based on experience
• Health insurance
• 401K
• PTO + flexible holidays
• Potential annual bonus
• Commission for new business you bring in
• Hybrid schedule: In-office Mon–Thu and remote Fridays, barring client or media events/meetings

Send your resume, cover letter, and two to three press clips or campaign examples that best represent your work to View email address on apply.placed-app.com.