The Building Trades Employers’ Association (BTEA) is a business association of union contractors, representing over 1,200 construction management firms, general contractors, and specialty trade subcontractors. For over a century, BTEA has advanced safety, innovation, and leadership across NYC’s unionized construction industry. Through strategic advocacy, dynamic programming, and member engagement, BTEA serves as the unified voice of union contractors—driving forward policies that strengthen both our industry and our city.

Position Title: Communications Director

Salary Range: $80,000 – $100,000

Reports To: President & CEO

Location: New York City (In-Person 5x)

Position Summary

The Director of Communications is a key member of the BTEA staff responsible for shaping, elevating, and executing the Association’s overall communications strategy. This individual will serve as the principal liaison for external communications — ensuring clarity, consistency, and professionalism across all written, digital, and multimedia platforms.

Working closely with the President & CEO, the Director develops and executes communications that highlight BTEA’s work, amplify the voice of union contractors, and support the Association’s major initiatives, programs, and events.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Strategy, Media Relations & Public Visibility

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and external press engagement.
• Develop, implement, and oversee a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with BTEA’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Draft media responses and coordinate interviews, statements, and public appearances on behalf of the President & CEO.
• Proactively identify and pursue opportunities for op-eds, thought leadership, and public commentary to amplify BTEA’s voice and visibility.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with industry reporters and communications partners.

Content Development, Editorial Oversight & Digital Communications

• Draft and edit press releases, public statements, speeches, talking points, newsletters, and executive communications.
• Lead the production of BTEA’s newsletters—including the Monthly Insider and special bulletins—managing content development, coordination, and publication schedules to ensure timeliness, accuracy, and strategic impact.
• Produce polished one-pagers, promotional materials, briefing memos, and communications content for BTEA events and initiatives.
• Establish and maintain clear, consistent messaging across all platforms, campaigns, and major initiatives, ensuring message discipline, tonal consistency, and brand integrity.
• Oversee development of scripts, run-of-show materials, honoree letters, testimonial language, and messaging packets.
• Manage BTEA’s digital voice, including website content, social media presence, and digital newsletters.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field preferred.
• 3-5 years of professional communications experience in an association, corporate communications team, media organization, or public-facing institution. 
• Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality written materials across multiple formats.
• Experience managing social media platforms and digital content strategy.
• Familiarity with New York’s construction, labor, and/or political landscape is preferred but not required.