Communications and Digital Director

Communications and Digital Director to Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez

The Office of Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez is seeking an eloquent and passionate Communications and Digital Director for an immediate opening.

Description of Position:  

The Communications and Digital Director will be responsible for communication to constituents and press for the Council Member. The Communications Director manages the Council Member’s proactive media presence, including articles, social media, and earned media to advance improvements to District 34 and New York City.

District 34 encompasses the neighborhoods of Williamsburg, East Williamsburg, Bushwick and the Southside in Brooklyn, and Ridgewood, Queens. With Council Member Gutierrez’s strong progressive values at the heart, the office is committed to paying equal attention to the needs of our district and to passing legislation that benefits the district and city as a whole.

The role:

• Draft and place press releases, statements, talking points, speeches, and op-eds. 
• Manage relationships with press, including pitching stories and developing long-term media narrative for the Council Member. 
• Manage and develop social media voice and expand our reach.
• Manage a biweekly email newsletter and two print newsletters a year
• Prepare Council Member for interviews and speaking engagements.
• Manage all aspects of office-led press events.
• Attend and document events on social media as needed.
• Design and manage production of posters, digital graphics, and other visual aids. 
• Monitor local, state, and national news, and update Council Member and office staff on developments related to district issues and key office priorities.
• Create processes to ensure effective communication to constituents, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders.  
• Ensure language access on platforms and at events.

Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or significant work experience.
• 2+ years of experience in communications or digital organizing.
• Very strong writing skills, including in rapid response situations. 
• Strong communication and listening skills, with the ability to give and take critical feedback.
• Highly organized, good attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects. 
• Strategic understanding of different social media platforms and best practices.
• Creativity and enthusiasm.
• Commitment to economic and social justice, as well as alignment with the values and priorities of the Council Member
• Spanish fluency and relationships with New York City press are a plus.

The Council Member values a strong work-life balance, though the Communications Director must be able to respond rapidly to breaking news.

Salary and Benefits

• Salary is $60,000, commensurate with experience  
• Excellent government benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, 401k benefits, and a commuter plan.

COVID 19 NOTE: Some work may be performed remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in-person work is required. This position may be based in Lower Manhattan, or the district office in Brooklyn.

TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter, resume, and two writing samples to District34@council.nyc.gov with the subject line: YOUR FULL NAME – COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR.

We will be accepting applications and conducting interviews on a rolling basis.

We are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.