New York City Council Is Hiring A Deputy Press Secretary Bilingual

Join Our Communications Team as Deputy Press Secretary 🚀

The New York City Council is seeking a talented Deputy Press Secretary to enhance our strategic media and communications efforts, supporting City Council priorities and engaging diverse audiences across New York City.

About the Communications Division 🏛️

The Communications Division advises and supports the Speaker and Council Members in all press relations activities. This includes organizing press conferences, developing media strategies, responding to breaking news, and assisting with speechwriting, op-eds, columns, and letters to the editor. The division also provides web content management training and media platform strategies for Council Members.

Position Overview

As Deputy Press Secretary, you will:

• Develop and implement effective communications strategies aligned with City Council priorities.
• Collaborate with division staff, Council Members' offices, and other departments such as Legislative, Land Use, and Finance.
• Create messaging, draft talking points, and prepare press materials including press releases and op-eds.
• Manage media relations and foster strong relationships with journalists and media outlets.

Salary Range 💰

$80,000 to $95,000

Key Responsibilities 📝

Strategic Communications & Media Relations

• Support the development of comprehensive communication strategies to promote City Council initiatives.
• Manage communications support for assigned Council Members and committees.
• Act as the main contact for journalists covering City Hall and policy issues.
• Draft, review, and edit press materials such as press releases, advisories, briefing papers, and statements.
• Plan and execute press events for the Speaker and City Council.
• Pitch media stories and coordinate media interviews, ensuring message consistency.

Media Inquiry & Relationship Management 📞

• Respond quickly and accurately to media inquiries, tracking engagement outcomes.
• Synthesize inquiries and consult with relevant staff to deliver strategic responses.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson for ethnic media outlets, including Spanish-language press.
• Support rapid response efforts during breaking news situations.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with media contacts across various platforms.
• Engage with internal teams, government partners, and external organizations to strengthen stakeholder relationships.

Planning & Coordinating Press Events 🎤

• Coordinate logistics for press conferences and media events, including outreach and run-of-show planning.
• Create and distribute press materials to ensure message clarity and consistency.
• Identify media opportunities such as interviews, feature stories, and op-eds for Council Members.
• Prepare Council leadership and external validators for interviews.

Advancing Communications Strategies 🚀

• Partner with leadership to develop initiatives that advance legislative and policy goals.
• Contribute to messaging frameworks aimed at diverse audiences across NYC.
• Design integrated campaigns using media, digital, and multimedia strategies to maximize impact.

Qualifications 🏅

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Excellent judgment, analytical skills, creativity, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Proficiency in Spanish and English is highly preferred.

Additional Information ℹ️

NYC residency is required within 90 days of employment.

Employee benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement, and wellness programs.

The NYC Council is committed to inclusivity and provides accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Reach out to EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov for assistance.

How to Apply 📧

Qualified candidates should submit the following via email or mail:

• A cover letter explaining your fit for the role
• Your updated resume
• A writing sample (e.g., social media content, press release)

Email: counciljobs@council.nyc.gov

Mail:
New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (SPDPRESS)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, NY 10007

Fax: 12124014711

While we appreciate all applications, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Employment 🌍

The NYC Council is an inclusive employer committed to diversity and equal opportunity. We do not discriminate based on sex, race, color, ethnicity, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic.