Director of Communications

The Communications Director serves as the prime communicator and bridge between Senator Gonzalez’s office, the press, and the political world at large. The Communications Director maintains all public-facing communications platforms including social media, physical mailers, the official senate website, and our official email newsletter. The Communications Director will report directly to the Chief of Staff and work closely with them and the Senator.

Responsibilities:

• Regularly updates the Senate website with relevant information concerning the district and legislature including articles, interviews, letters of support, and scheduled hearings involving Senator Gonzalez, her legislation, and office
• Writes and regularly schedules press releases related to specific issues and concerns, updates and maintains press lists for local, citywide, statewide, national news outlets, and provides quotes and drafts statements, and coordinates press interviews, television and radio appearances on behalf of Senator Gonzalez’s office
• Manages the Senator’s online presence through social media and the Senate website
• Works with the Legislative Director, Senator, and advocacy groups on pitching op-eds regarding specific relevant policy and legislation
• Coordinates with the community affairs team and legislative team to see what information should be posted and shared in newsletters, mailers, emails, and on social media

Key Abilities & Experience

• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comfort/experience with a public-facing position and the ability to work with basic office computer applications
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to prioritization of and recommendations on appointments
• Strong organizational and filing skills
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, with a high degree of adaptability in a fast- changing, often high stakes environment
• Ability to treat confidential information with appropriate discretion
• Demonstrated commitment to bettering the material conditions of working class New Yorkers in and beyond SD-59
• Required to live in New York State upon beginning of employment

Bonus points if you:

• Are a resident of SD 59
• Have video editing and/or graphic design experience

Salary & Benefits:

$60,000-65,000 per year based on experience. This is a full-time, overtime exempt position. This position offers health, vision + dental insurance as well as a retirement plan. Lodging and travel expenses for trips to Albany will be paid for. The position also comes with sick days, vacation days, and personal time, as well as state holidays.

To Apply

Submit a 1-page resume, a 1-page cover letter, and names and contact information for three professional references to gonzalezjobs@nysenate.gov. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please keep in mind that we are looking for cover letters that tell us in your own words why you are a great candidate for the job and do not simply repeat the information in your resume.

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to each applicant. Applicants who advance to the first round of interviews will be notified by April 15th.

The Senate is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability - as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate on the basis of disability with regard to employment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Paid parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• New York, NY 10017: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person