Deputy Press Secretary

Job Description

The New York City Council is seeking a Deputy Press Secretary to join its Communications Division. The position will help develop and execute effective communications strategies that support the body's priorities and Council Members. They will collaborate with staff across the Communications Division, the offices of Council Members, 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.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support the development and implementation of comprehensive communications strategies that elevate and advance City Council priorities.
• Manage communications support for assigned Council Members and committees, coordinating closely with Members’ offices and Central Staff.
• Serve as a key point of contact for reporters covering City Hall 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 Speaker and City Council.
• Pitch media stories and coverage opportunities to reporters in collaboration with senior communications staff.
• Coordinate and staff media interviews for Council Members, 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, including Spanish-language press, 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 Speaker’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 Speaker and Council Members.
• 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’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 3–5 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 in Spanish and English is highly preferred.

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 accommodations 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:         counciljobs@council.nyc.gov   

MAIL:             New York City Council
Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (DPRESS)
250 Broadway, 26th Floor
New York, New York 10007

FAX:               12124014711

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.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 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 in Spanish and English is highly preferred.

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