Communications Director

City of New York nyc.gov Open · verified Sep 19, 2026

On-site New York Full-time Director Communications

Leadership Communications role at City of New York. New York · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $142,690–$218,000.

Estimated pay

City of New York has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.

$142,690 – $218,000

What the middle half of lead communications roles in New York paid, among postings that did state a salary.

Worked out from 61 postings that stated pay, median $170,000. Last updated Sep 19, 2026.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Set MOPD’s communications direction across press, digital, web, social, branding, and public information
Lead media outreach through story development, pitching, targeting, and relationship building
Write and refine public materials, speeches, testimony, quotes, and remarks in the Commissioner’s voice
Coordinate campaigns, events, and agency partnerships, including staffing the Commissioner at appearances
Supervise the Communications Team and advise leadership on emerging public-information issues

What you bring

Bring a bachelor’s degree and at least six years of communications experience, or equivalent education and experience
Show strong writing, editing, speaking, analytical, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills
Use sound communications judgment with senior leaders, journalists, and media organizations
Understand New York’s media environment and policy landscape
Commit to disability, racial, and economic justice and to accessibility

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you can lead public communications, advise senior officials, manage media relationships, and support the disability community through accessible, inclusive messaging. The position is onsite in New York, reports to the Chief of Staff, and includes supervision of Communications Team staff. A cover letter is required with the application

From the employer

The Agency You’ll Join:
The New York City Mayor’s Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. The administration is leading the fight in making the city more affordable, reducing inequality, improving public safety, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, and working to make New York City’s economy stronger. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. For current job opportunities, visit our careers page.

The Team You’ll Work With:
For half a century, the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has been the liaison between the New York City government and the disability community. In partnership with City offices and agencies, MOPD ensures City initiatives, programs, and policies address the needs and interests of people with disabilities. The office regularly engages in advocacy and policymaking at the local, state, national, and international levels to make certain accessibility and full inclusion are key priorities for all public and private stakeholders alike.

The Problems You’ll Solve:
The Communications Director is responsible for the public-facing voice of MOPD. They will develop and oversee MOPD’s strategic communications agenda with the ultimate goals of expanding its reach, elevating its public profile, and advancing the Commissioner’s and Mayor’s vision for MOPD. The Communications Director will advise the Commissioner on all communications and public information matters, and report to the Chief of Staff.

Duties include, but are not limited to:
- Develop a cohesive voice through all communications media, such as press responses, proactive press engagements, digital communications, branding, web content, issue briefs, reports, emergency response communications, social media, public appearances, and more.
- Manage the rollout of creative, sophisticated, and effective communications projects.
- Ensure all public messaging adheres to the values and mission of MOPD and the Mamdani administration.
- Manage media story development, media targeting, pitching, and relationship management.
- Plan proactive and creative media campaigns and outreach.
- Review, edit, and write copy for all MOPD public-facing materials as needed.
- Write speeches, testimonies, quotes, and remarks in the Commissioner’s voice.
- Collaborate with staff and partner agencies to promote events and public resources.
- Staff the Commissioner during public appearances to ensure smooth event execution.
- Apprise leadership of potential issues with respect to public information and provide recommendations in a timely manner.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with communications counterparts in other Mayor’s Offices, city agencies, and external media partners.
- Create an effective and collaborative work environment that supports excellence in public service while centering the perspective of people with disabilities.
- Coordinate and direct other communications projects as identified by MOPD leadership.
- Supervise the Communications Team staff.

About You:
- You have excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proofreading and copy-editing.
- You have strong communications judgment with demonstrated ability to set and execute strategic communications projects.
- You understand the New York media market and policy landscape.
- You have experience working with senior leaders and making executive-level decisions.
- You have experience working with journalists and media organizations.
- You can coordinate multiple projects in a deadline-oriented environment.
- You have excellent analytical thinking, organizational, presentation, and facilitation skills.
- You commit to disability justice, accessibility, and improving the lives of NYers with disabilities.
- You commit to racial and economic justice.

Minimum Required Qualifications:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and at least six (6) or more years of communications experience - preferably in government, advocacy, nonprofit, or campaign settings.
- Education and/or experience that is equivalent to the above.

Additional Information
- In addition to the resume, a cover letter is required to apply.

RESEARCH PROJECTS COOR(MA)-MGR - 0527A

1. Do you have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university?

2. Do you have an associate degree from an accredited college or university along with two (2) years of experience with administrative, analytic, coordinative, supervisory or liaison responsibilities?

3. Do you have a four-year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent approved by a state's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization along with four (4) years of experience as described in question "2" above?

4. Do you have a satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that described in questions "1," "2," and/or "3" above?

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.