EXECUTIVE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

Responsibilities

• Oversee the administration and operation of the Strategic Communications Office.
• Execute, monitor, and oversee activities of the Office of Communications and Marketing encompassing internal and external communications, employee communications, marketing, and advertising graphic services.
• Lead the development, creation and coordination of all press and broadcast media communications to disseminate information regarding HRA/DHS activities to the public. and to positively promote HRA's/DHS' image throughout the state.
• Oversee Press Communications in the engagement of media representatives such as editors, reporters, interviewers, researchers, etc. for television, radio, newspapers, and magazines; oversees the response to media inquiries about specific cases and the provision of information on programs, policies, and services; and oversees the development and stimulation of coverage of positive accomplishments for HRA and DHS.
• Serve as a Principal Advisor to the DSS Commissioner. HRA and DHS Administrators and senior level executive staff in the formulation and resolution of policy issues concerning public relations strategy: oversee the analysis and response of legislative policy, administrative guidelines to reflect DSS priorities and initiatives. Works closely with the Commissioner/Administrator(s) in the formulation of public relations policy.
• Collaborate with the Commissioner, the Mayor's Office and Administrators on DSS/HRA/DHS legislative and policy priorities, and messaging. Participate in legislative strategy and provides talking points for community notifications meetings with a focus of high-profile projects.
• Guide the Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs team in the development and maintenance of strong political relationships that benefit the agency including attending meetings with elected officials and their staff; give direction on the management of political relationships in each borough and the agencies responsiveness to constituent complaints received from elected officials.
• Provide executive guidance in the planning of public information on HRA/DHS activities; ensure coordination of public relations, proactive public information activities of HRA/DHS and its component agencies.
• Represent the Commissioner before legislative bodies, city, state and Federal agencies, government officials, and business contacts as it relates to assigned area of responsibility.
• Serve on various steering and policy making groups to ensure effective delivery of services, implementation of new initiatives, and program development of community and governmental engagement and outreach.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree (e.g., Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, or related field) preferred.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, and/or government relations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-channel communications programs and legislative engagement in a government or public sector environment.
• Experience with crisis communications and cross-agency coordination.

Preferred

• advanced degree (e.g., Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, or related field) preferred.