Assistant Commissioner of Communications

About the role

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) seeks an Assistant Commissioner of Communications to lead strategic communications efforts and manage media relations for the agency. This position will oversee the Department’s public profile and engage with the NYC press corps to ensure successful implementation of the Trash Revolution.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement long-term communications plans and day-to-day customer-facing communications. Manage the Department’s public profile through various channels including social/digital, in-person engagement, and traditional media.
• Media Relations: Provide oversight to the existing press team, handling incoming press requests and developing proactive press coverage. Support agency leadership in media briefings and events.
• Briefing & Documentation: Prepare and deliver briefings and support for media or other public events involving agency leadership.
• Staff Management: Oversee an experienced and specialized staff, ensuring effective team and project management, process improvement, and the development of high-quality work product.
• Special Projects: Manage special projects aligned with agency priorities.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college in Public Administration, Personnel Administration, Business Administration, Human Services, Political Science, or a related field, with at least 18 months of experience in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity.
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college, with at least 18 months of experience in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity.
• Four-year high school diploma or equivalent, with at least 18 months of experience in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity.

Preferred Skills

• Significant experience with the NYC press corps and deep familiarity with public communications.
• Experience leading high-profile communications campaigns, especially in diverse communities.
• Demonstrated managerial experience and effectiveness.
• Experience managing media relations for both an organization and specific principals.
• Proven track record of building trust with underserved communities.
• Experience designing and executing strategic communications and media relations plans with measurable outcomes.
• Strong judgment and ability to navigate press interactions.
• Experience managing teams of 8-10 staff.
• Ability to pivot around priorities and external realities quickly.
• Experience developing communication strategies for diverse stakeholders and members of the public.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including briefing executive-level staff.
• Experience in similar outreach and community affairs roles within New York City government.

Qualifications

• Minimum Qualifications: See above.
• Preferred Skills: See above.

Additional Information

• The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer.
• The position is open to qualified persons with a disability under the 55-a Program.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment, except for certain City Employees who may be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.
• The City of New York is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.
• Job ID: 782518
• Posted until: July 24, 2026
• Title code: 05041
• Civil service title: Assistant Commissioner (DSNY)
• Title classification: Pending Classification-2
• Business title: Assistant Commissioner of Communications
• Job level: M5
• Number of positions: 1
• Work location: 125 Worth Street, NYC