Overview

The Suffolk County District Attorney (SCDA) is seeking an experienced communications professional for the position of Director of Communications. The Director of Communications will be a strategic advisor to the District Attorney related to all press and media issues. The candidate must be a critical thinker, strong writer, and excellent communicator, with the ability to establish a strong rapport and forge relations with the community and press. The Director of Communications must be able to lead a public relations team in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. The position is based in Hauppauge, but will require travel throughout the county.

Duties

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as the spokesperson for the District Attorney.
• Manage all aspects of media relations including building and maintaining strong relationships with local and national press.
• Respond to inquiries from the media during normal business hours, as well as on nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.
• Handling rapid responses and crisis communications on high profile and time-sensitive matters.
• Supervise the communications team and collaborate with internal members of the office to ensure consistent and effective communication.
• Oversee all written materials, including the drafting and editing of press releases, media advisories, statements, speeches, and op-eds.
• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies that amplify the SCDA's work and impact.
• Expand the SCDA’s digital presence, including website content, social media engagement, and online campaigns, ensuring digital media is seamlessly integrated into the overall communications strategy.
• Proactively pitch stories and interviews to individual reporters, and place Op-Eds in targeted media outlets.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, marketing, media studies, or similar fields.
• At least eight years of relevant work experience.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal communications.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, such as Instagram, X, YouTube, Facebook, and Snapchat.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Additional Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with the criminal justice system.
• Prior management experience.
• Prior communications experience in government or with a law enforcement agency.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and Sharepoint.

Salary

Commensurate with experience.

The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney reserves the right to change without notice any statement on this page concerning, but not limited to, rules, policies, eligibility, recruitment and terms of employment. The Office of the Suffolk County District Attorney is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, parental status, military service, or any other non-merit factor.