Chief of Public Affairs
Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice
Position Title: Chief of Public Affairs
Job ID Number: 37267
About the Office:
The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) advises the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Public Safety on public safety policy and is the Mayor’s representative to the courts, district attorneys, defenders, and state criminal justice agencies, among others. The office designs, deploys, and evaluates citywide strategies to drive down crime, reduce unnecessary arrests and incarceration, and improve the system’s fairness. MOCJ works with law enforcement and city agencies, non-profits, foundations, and others to implement data-driven strategies that address current crime conditions, prevent offending, and build the strong neighborhoods that ensure enduring safety.
About the Role:
The Chief of Public Affairs serves as MOCJ’s senior level member responsible for developing and overseeing all strategy for communication with the public, and the press. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the Chief of Public Affairs advises the Director and ensures that MOCJ’s public affairs work is effective and advances strategic goals.
Among the tasks that this leader will need to execute are:
- Conceiving and implementing a broad strategic public affairs plan to further the goals of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. Determine the most effective communications, public education and engagement, research dissemination, and community engagement tactics to implement this plan.
- Shaping the language, images, and multimedia that represent the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and its work compellingly, convincingly, and accurately. Ensuring consistent, clear messaging across all modes of communication, including traditional and new media, in-depth analytic reports, op-eds, fact sheets, testimony, text for video and podcasts, speeches, proposals and presentations.
- Managing media relations, including story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management. Planning proactive media campaigns and outreach, as well as rapid-response work in reaction to breaking news. Monitoring the media for opportunities to engage.
- Overseeing the executive briefing process, which entails critically thinking about topics, compiling comprehensive issue summaries, and briefing executives.
Qualifications:
- A baccalaureate from an accredited college/university. A minimum of five (5) years of full-time, relevant professional experience in public affairs and/or journalism. Advanced degree in a relevant field preferred.
- Outstanding written and communication skills, including proven ability to translate complex social science research and recommendations into engaging documents targeted to experts and practitioners, decision makers, journalists, and the public.
- Knowledge of the criminal and juvenile justice systems in New York City preferred.
- Excellent organizational, time-management and multi-tasking skills, including the ability to take initiative, problem solve, prioritize duties, balance competing priorities, work independently and within a fast-paced and team environment, paying close attention to detail, meeting deadlines and working well under pressure.
- Effective and creative management skills, which includes leadership ability with the capacity to work both independently and cooperatively to effect key strategies.
Salary Range:
$140,000 – $150,000
To Apply:
Please send a copy of your resume, a cover letter, and three (3) references to Candidate Application
New York City Residency Is Required Within 90 Days of Appointment
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.
The Adams Administration values diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences that is reflective of the city it serves. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged and welcomed to apply.
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