Vice President, Public Affairs

Position Overview: As a member of the Public Affairs and Media Relations Department, the Vice President of Strategic Communications/Speechwriting (VP) is responsible for the development and execution of press materials, proactive media outreach and relationship building, press events, crisis communications, and development of internal materials related to NYCEDC projects and initiatives. Reporting into the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs (SVP), the VP works closely with interdisciplinary project teams, a wide-range of stakeholders, other city agencies, and City Hall to craft messaging and storytelling, and execute events when needed. In addition, the VP plays a key role in the strategy, ideation, and execution of communications specifically focusing on members of the President’s Office including the President & CEO. This includes serving as the Chief Speechwriter for the President & CEO, and other key members of the President’s Office, as well as working with the SVP closely to craft long-term narrative building for the organization.  

The ideal candidate must be a confident, curious, and innovative communicator with experience in media relations including developing and executing communications strategies. They should be skilled at proactively and reactively arranging media opportunities to advance key messages to target audiences. The candidate must be a strong multi-tasker, detailed oriented, and able to work well in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. Additionally, the candidate should have experience as a manager leading multiple direct reports.  

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Works with the SVP to develop and implement an executive communications strategy around senior EDC leadership that includes but not limited to: speeches, appearances at conferences, and opinion writing. 
• Serves as Chief Speechwriter for senior leadership. 
• Partners closely with SVP and senior External Affairs leadership to develop long-term narrative building around key EDC projects and priorities.  
• Writes press releases with select quotes, principals’ remarks, summaries, and other collateral as needed. 
• Develops and executes a multi-faceted press strategy on assigned projects. 
• Works across City Hall communications staff and other City and other agencies. 
• Helps build and protect NYCEDC brand reputation. 
• Builds relationships with key members of the media using multiple platforms and tools to communicate. 
• Proactively arranges media interviews and speaking opportunities to advance key messages to target audiences. 
• Understands and utilizes social media, including measurement and listening tools, to enhance communication efforts 
• Manages 1-2 direct reports on the team. 
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience in economic development, government and/or politics preferred.  
• 7-10 years professional experience in communications with the majority of experience in media relations, political campaigns, economic development, journalism, public relations, and/or government agency-related work 
• Must be interested in public service, economics, innovation industries, urban planning and development, and all aspects of NYC. 
• Exceptional writing and public speaking skills; background and knowledge of economic development a plus.  
• Proven ability to interact with and coordinate consistent messaging and relationships across diverse internal departments, other city agencies and/or external partners. 
• Demonstrated success in leading proactive and original media initiatives. 
• Experience in speechwriting. 
• Strong media relations skills, with the ability to cultivate relationships with reporters. 
• Creative and independent thinker, with strong research and analytical skills. 
• Proficiency with digital multi-media tools (PowerPoint, social metrics, video creation, Canva, etc.). 
• Bi-lingual Spanish (written and spoken) a plus 
• New York City resident (required within 180 days of hire) 

Last updated on Aug 19, 2024