THE AGENCY
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide and sharing its perspectives on growth and community needs with sister agencies in collaboration with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
The New York City Department of City Planning is a great place to work – cultivating intellectual inspiration, professional development, and creativity. Visit our website at www.nyc.gov/planning to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our great agency.
THE DIVISION
The Executive team coordinates the policy direction and management of the Department of City Planning. The team consists of the Office of the Director, Office of the Executive Director, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, the Chief of Staff, the General Counsel and Communications and Intergovernmental functions. The team is responsible for setting the vision of the Department and directing resources to accomplish our goals.
This motivated team works closely together and across all planning and support divisions to support a diverse set of activities that advance our mission to plan for the City of New York.
THE ROLE
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, this position will establish and manage a strategic communications unit within City Planning, steering all public communications to advance the aims of DCP’s work program. This leader will be versed in how to use the full spectrum of media channels, including press and social media, to engage a wide variety of stakeholders for input and consensus-building. A compelling candidate will be able to demonstrate independent initiative, judgment, and decision-making within the government sector, as well as the ability to connect with the press and a range of public constituents. This position will be responsible for the development, implementation, and management of a comprehensive, pro-active communications strategy, including establishing consistency of tone, quality, and coordination across all DCP divisions. Additionally, this leader will manage internal DCP communications and website content, keeping employees abreast of DCP priorities and activities, along with sharing internal initiatives that improve the effectiveness and work environment for the approximately 350 DCP staff.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Design and execute a comprehensive communications strategy to advance DCP’s priorities
o Using all available media and online channels
o Collaborating with senior divisional leaders for maximum impact
o Adapting as agency priorities evolve
o Measuring (and course-correcting) regularly
• Provide thought leadership and coaching to enhance all agency communications, written and verbal, in a variety of forums, including
o City Planning Commission (CPC) and City Council presentations
o Institutional gatherings, conferences, and other press events
o Community settings, including public workshops, community board meetings and environmental impact scoping hearings
o Online presence
• Drive consistency and coordination across all DCP communications for planners at all levels
o Establishing and syndicating public presentation standards and quality control mechanisms
o Providing hands-on coaching and training (along with relevant tools)
o Supporting DCP borough and central divisions in furthering the reach and efficacy of their communications
• Manage DCP’s online strategy and content for maximum effect, including its public-facing website www.nyc.gov/planning, along with an active, consistent social media presence
o Working closely with DCP staff in different functions/locations to ensure understanding and alignment of aims
o Exploring and expanding use of online forums for increased engagement with the public at large on DCP initiatives
• Lead organization of high impact presentations for senior DCP leaders at a variety of public speaking opportunities
o Identifying opportunities to advance DCP’s goals
o Vetting and approving all speaking invitations, and helping to arrange for appropriate external presence
o Creating materials as necessary, including managing speechwriting
• Create and maintain a DCP-wide contact database across a variety of individuals and organizations, to improve our ability to target messages and sustain awareness of relevant DCP activities
• Using a variety of channels, ensure substantial communication to all DCP employees regarding DCP and Administration strategies, public events, and internal initiatives to raise awareness and engagement across all of DCP
• Manage resources to provide support on a variety of communication fronts, including grant writing and DCP info briefs (to disseminate DCP insights to a broader audience)
• Work with staff in all DCP divisions to ensure a consistent external identity, with clear, targeted messaging
Minimum Qual Requirements
Qualification Requirements 1. Graduation from an accredited college with a baccalaureate degree and four years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public relations, advertising or closely related fields; or
2. High school graduation or evidence of having passed an examination for a high school equivalency diploma plus 8 years of full-time, paid experience in the areas stated above; or
3. A satisfactory equivalent.
Preferred Skills
• Minimum 7-10 years direct experience with combination of external and internal communications, public relations or public affairs, media relations, marketing. Experience in public sector or supporting elected officials or political campaigns preferred.
• Familiarity working in a political setting, ideally within the public sector of New York City
• Highly consultative skills required. Demonstrated history of building credibility and the ability to quickly comprehend highly complex, technical concepts.
• Ability to influence and establish/cultivate relationships across all levels of organizations and with key stakeholders
• Minimum 3-5 years management experience of multi-function team
• Strong press and social media marketing skills and campaign experience (including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and proven ability to generate substantial impressions and increase social media audience
• Flawless written and oral communications
• Demonstrated success in development, implementation and management of comprehensive communications strategy
• Deep and broad experience with stakeholder engagement (e.g., community based organizations, Community Boards, associations, universities, foundations, federal/state/local government agencies).
• Gravitas and executive presence
• Ability to translate complex language and concepts into plain language
• Ability to make decisions and get things done within a fast-paced environment with competing priorities; comfort in dealing with ambiguity
• Bilingual or multilingual ability preferred
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other programs
To Apply
Click on Apply Now at the bottom of the posting
Please be advised only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.
Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.
This position requires unrestricted work authorization and DCP does not offer sponsorship. Only eligible candidates need apply.
Public Svc Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF .
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.
POSTING DATE
07/31/2023
POST UNTIL
Until Filled
The City of New York 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.