Job description:

We are seeking a Director of Public Relation to join Southern Brooklyn Council Member. The

position will help develop and execute effective communications strategies that support

Council Member’s priorities. She/He will collaborate with staff in the office of Council

Member, and staff from the Legislative, Land Use and Finance divisions. The role will be

responsible for developing messaging, drafting talking points and press materials (op-eds,

press releases, etc.), and managing media relations. press conferences, developing media

strategies and responding to breaking news. This person also assists the Council Member

in drafting speeches, op-ed articles, columns and letters to the editor, coordinates web

content management training sessions and assists Council Member with strategies across

all media platforms.

SALARY RANGE:

80-120k

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive communications

strategies that elevate and advance Council member’s priorities.

• Manage communications support for assigned Council Member and committees,

coordinating closely with Member’s Staff.

• Serve as a key point of contact for reporters covering Council and related policy

areas, building and maintaining strong media relationships.

• Draft, review, and edit press materials, including press releases, media advisories,

briefing papers, talking points, and statements.

• Assist in planning and execution of press events for the Councilmember.

• Pitch media stories and coverage opportunities to reporters in collaboration with

senior communications staff.

• Coordinate and staff media interviews for Council Member, ensuring preparation

and message alignment.

• Provide general communications support and undertake special projects as

assigned.

Media Inquiries & Relationship Management

• Ensure timely, accurate, and well-coordinated responses to all incoming media

inquiries, tracking engagement across the press team.

• Manage press engagement by synthesizing inquiries, consulting with relevant staff,

and ensuring responses are thorough, strategic, and aligned with Council

messaging.

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for ethnic media outlets, effectively

communicating key messages and perspectives.

• Lead and support rapid response efforts to ensure the Council’s voice is

represented in breaking news coverage.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts across local, national,

and ethnic outlets.

• Support stakeholder engagement and relationship-building with internal teams,

government partners, and external organizations

Planning & Coordinating Press Events and Opportunities

• Coordinate logistics for the Council Member’s press conferences and events,

including media outreach, run-of-show development, participant preparation, and

execution.

• Develop and distribute press materials and messaging, ensuring consistency and

clarity across all communications.

• Identify and secure proactive media opportunities, including interviews, feature

stories, and op-eds for the Council Member.

• Oversee interview preparation and coordination for Council leadership and external

validators.

Advancing Communications Strategy

• Serve as a strategic communications partner in developing and executing initiatives

that advance the Council member’s legislative and policy priorities.

• Contribute to the development of messaging frameworks and communications

tactics targeting diverse audiences across New York City.

• Design and implement integrated public affairs campaigns utilizing a mix of media,

digital, and multimedia strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in

communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field.

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability

to engage effectively with media and stakeholders.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage

multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated sound judgment, with strong analytical, creative, and problem-

solving abilities.

• Ability to work flexible, non-traditional hours, including early mornings, evenings,

weekends, and holidays as needed.

• Bilingual proficiency is highly preferred.

• In person only

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

New York City residency required within 90 days of appointment.

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire.

Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and

paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs

are also available.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodation for applicants and

employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the

job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive

other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should forward their cover letter indicating your match to the stated

job requirements; your resume; and a writing sample (e.g., traditional/digital/social media

content) to:

E-MAIL: szhuang@council.nyc.gov

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an

interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council 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.