DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

***TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION CANDIDATES MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE TITLE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST.

All Other Candidates Will Not Be

CONSIDERED***.

The Commission on Human Rights (the “Commission”) is the City agency charged with enforcing the New York City Human Rights Law (“City Human Rights Law”), one of the most expansive civil rights laws in the nation, prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Commission investigates, litigates, and adjudicates claims of discrimination brought by the public. Where the Commission finds unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation have occurred, it obtains compensation to victims, orders companies to take corrective action, and can assess civil penalties.

The Commission also engages in training and education to ensure New Yorkers understand their rights and responsibilities under City Law.

The Director of Communications reports to the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and works to develop and implement the communications and public relations strategy for the agency.

The Director of Communications leads a team of communications professionals to advance the agency’s mission and execute strategies that advance awareness of the NYCHRL, the CCHR activities, and human rights issues impacting New Yorkers.

The position collaborates with agency stakeholders, media, press, bloggers, advocates, community groups, elected officials and the general public.

Job Duties

• Develop communications and marketing strategies to advance Commission goals.
• Manage the agency’s communication budget.
• Direct all aspects of agency communications and marketing, maintaining consistent strategic visibility for the Commission via broadcast and print media (ethnic and non-ethnic), social media and other platforms.
• Identify new campaigns to educate New Yorkers about rights and obligations under the Human Rights Law (HRL).
• Develop and build positive relationships with media, elected officials, agency stakeholders and the community.
• Convene focus groups and utilize other research techniques, to inform the development and evaluate the impact of campaign strategies.
• Develop and disseminate multi-lingual materials to educate New Yorkers about their rights and obligations under the HRL.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, including ethnic media editors and other contacts as appropriate in print and broadcast media.
• Act as an agency spokesperson and serve as a key contact for media, elected officials, agency stakeholders and the community.
• Ensure the Commission’s message reaches a broad cross-section of NYC communities through significant ethnic media ad buys.
• Coordinate and collaborate with members of the Mayor’s Office Communications Team, the City Hall Press Office about Commission strategy and incoming stories, as well as with press and communications staff at sister agencies, as appropriate.
• Supervise staff in the Communications Team and support professional development through assignments and training opportunities.
• Lead the completion of reports required under the HRL or Charter through the development and review of content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; or
• A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" above. Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism or advertising.

Preferred Skills

• Substantial experience in public relations, communications, and/or brand development;
• Experience building a business or project from the ground up;
• Familiarity with the NYCHRL;
• Experience advocating on behalf of people with low or moderate income, immigrants or immigrant communities, people living with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, people with criminal convictions, people with accommodations issues related to pregnancy, disability or religion, or lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender individuals;
• Excellent attention to detail;
• Exceptional organizational skills;
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills;
• Experience working as part of a team and ability to work collaboratively;
• Demonstrated commitment to public service;
• Substantial prior experience in formulating and executing strategic initiatives and strategic planning;
• At least ten years’ experience in communications or public relations;
• At least five years’ experience working with media/press;
• At least five years’ experience working with New York City elected officials and/or political appointees;
• At least five years’ experience in community building and working with community stakeholders;
• Substantial experience developing communications strategies to advocate for legal issues or rights;
• Strong people skills and leadership skills;
• Strong relationships with legal advocacy organizations or non-profits familiar with the NYCHRL;
• Strong relationships with organizations or groups serving different communities in the City; and
• Prior management experience.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.