Communications Director

Communications Director

The Agency You'll Join: The New York City Mayor's Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. The administration is leading the fight in making the city more affordable, reducing inequality, improving public safety, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, and working to make New York City's economy stronger. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. The Team You'll Work With: For half a century, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has been the liaison between the New York City government and the disability community. In partnership with City offices and agencies, MOPD ensures City initiatives, programs, and policies address the needs and interests of people with disabilities. The office regularly engages in advocacy and policymaking at the local, state, national, and international levels to make certain accessibility and full inclusion are key priorities for all public and private stakeholders alike.

The Problems You'll Solve: The Communications Director is responsible for the public-facing voice of MOPD. They will develop and oversee MOPD's strategic communications agenda with the ultimate goals of expanding its reach, elevating its public profile, and advancing the Commissioner's and Mayor's vision for MOPD. The Communications Director will advise the Commissioner on all communications and public information matters, and report to the Chief of Staff. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop a cohesive voice through all communications media, such as press responses, proactive press engagements, digital communications, branding, web content, issue briefs, reports, emergency response communications, social media, public appearances, and more.
• Manage the rollout of creative, sophisticated, and effective communications projects.
• Ensure all public messaging adheres to the values and mission of MOPD and the administration.
• Manage media story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management.
• Plan proactive and creative media campaigns and outreach.
• Review, edit, and write copy for all MOPD public-facing materials as needed.
• Write speeches, testimonies, quotes, and remarks in the Commissioner's voice.
• Collaborate with staff and partner agencies to promote events and public resources.
• Staff the Commissioner during public appearances to ensure smooth event execution.
• Apprise leadership of potential issues with respect to public information and provide recommendations in a timely manner.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with communications counterparts in other Mayor's Offices, city agencies, and external media partners.
• Create an effective and collaborative work environment that supports excellence in public service while centering the perspective of people with disabilities.
• Coordinate and direct other communications projects as identified by MOPD leadership.
• Supervise the Communications Team staff.

About You: You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and copy-editing. You have strong communications judgment with demonstrated ability to set and execute strategic communications projects. You understand the New York media market and policy landscape. You have experience working with senior leaders and making executive-level decisions. You have experience working with journalists and media organizations. You can coordinate multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment. You have excellent analytical thinking, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills. You commit to disability justice, accessibility, and improving the lives of NYers with disabilities. You commit to racial and economic justice.

Minimum Required Qualifications: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and at least six (6) or more years of communications experience - preferably in government, advocacy, nonprofit, or campaign settings. Education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above.

Preferred Skills: Experience developing communications strategies to advance advocacy or policy priorities. Experience with social media content strategy. Experience working with elected officials or other high-profile principals. Familiarity with City Hall press and communications. Familiarity with diverse media markets, including ethnic media outlets. Familiarity with design, video editing, or publication software, such as Adobe Illustrator, Premier Pro, InDesign, and Photoshop.