Assistant Commissioner of Communications

About the role

The New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) seeks an Assistant Commissioner of Communications to lead the Department’s public engagement efforts as part of the ongoing Trash Revolution. Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Public Affairs & Customer Experience, this role will manage DSNY’s public communications strategy, including media relations, briefing agency leadership, and overseeing a specialized staff.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications: Develop and implement long-term communications plans, oversee day-to-day customer-facing communications, and coordinate with various media channels.
• Media Relations: Provide oversight to the press team, manage incoming press requests, and develop proactive press coverage.
• Briefing & Documentation: Prepare briefings and support agency leadership for media or public events.
• Staff Management: Oversee a specialized staff, ensuring effective team and project management, and setting organizational goals and priorities.
• Special Projects: Manage special projects aligned with agency priorities.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree 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 with at least 18 months of experience in an administrative, managerial, or executive capacity.
• Four-year high school diploma or equivalent with nine years of full-time progressively responsible experience, including 18 months in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity.

Preferred Skills

• Significant experience with the NYC press corps.
• Deep familiarity with multiple forms of public communications.
• Commitment to the mission of DSNY.
• 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 written and in-person communication strategies for diverse stakeholders and members of the public.
• Experience messaging policy initiatives through written communications, marketing strategies, public presentations, and promotional materials.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including briefing and supporting executive-level staff for external engagement.
• Experience in similar outreach and community affairs roles within New York City government.

Benefits

The City of New York offers competitive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

The Assistant Commissioner of Communications will work a standard Monday through Friday schedule.