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City of New York

Director of Communications

City of New York, Suffolk, Virginia, United States, 23437


The NYC Department of Probation (DOP) is a world leader in working creatively and effectively engaging with people under court-mandated community supervision. Through innovative partnerships with people and organizations throughout New York City, DOP provides opportunities for those on probation to access services and opportunities that positively impact their life trajectory. Following the best current data on “what works,” staff at DOP engage in meaningful relationships with those on probation to enhance community safety and decrease recidivism.

The Department of Probation is recruiting for a Director of Communications. Working in close coordination with the Mayor’s Press Office, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent action and decision-making, the Director will develop and manage the agency’s communications as it relates to press and public information.

The duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

- Responsible for developing and overseeing all strategies for communication with the public, the press, and other organizations.

- Conceiving and implementing a broad strategic public affairs plan and determining the most effective communications, public education, and engagement tactics

- Shaping the language, images, and multimedia that represent DOP and its work compellingly, convincingly, and accurately. Ensuring consistent, clear messaging across all modes of communication, including traditional and new media, in-depth analytic reports, op-eds, fact sheets, testimony, text for video and podcasts, speeches, proposals, and presentations

- Managing media relations, including story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management. Planning proactive media campaigns and outreach, as well as rapid-response work in reaction to breaking news. Monitoring the media for opportunities to engage.

- Daily responsibilities include responding to inquiries from reporters, coordinating content on the DOP public website, intranet, and social media, disseminating information concerning DOP activities and programming.

Minimum QualificationsA baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time paid experience in counseling or casework in a recognized agency adhering to acceptable standards in probation, parole, social services, psychiatric or medical social work or related field, at least 18 months of which must have been in a responsible supervisory, administrative or consultative capacity performing activities related to the duties of the position; or

A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to “1” above.

However, all candidates must have at least 18 months of experience in an administrative, managerial, executive, consultative, executive capacity or supervising personnel performing activities related to the duties of the position.

Preferred Skills- A baccalaureate from an accredited college/university. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, relevant professional experience in public affairs and/or journalism. Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.

- Outstanding written and communication skills, including proven ability to translate complex social science research and recommendations into engaging documents targeted to experts and practitioners, decision makers, journalists, and the public.

- Knowledge of the criminal and juvenile justice systems in New York City preferred.

- Excellent organizational, time-management and multi-tasking skills, including the ability to take initiative, problem solve, prioritize duties, balance competing priorities, work independently and within a fast-paced and team environment, paying close attention to detail, meeting deadlines, and working well under pressure.

- Effective and creative management skills, which includes leadership ability with the capacity to work both independently and cooperatively to affect key strategies.

- Proven ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with local and statewide media. Ability to monitor daily news events and apply sound judgement when speaking on the record.

- Experienced in managing complex information and meeting tight deadlines within a fast-paced government agency, while maintaining professionalism and accuracy.55a ProgramThis 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 ForgivenessAs 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 https://studentaid.gov/pslf/Residency RequirementNew 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 InformationThe 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.

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