Communications Associate

The Office of Labor Relations (OLR) represents the Mayor in the conduct of all labor relations between the City of New York and labor unions representing employees of the City. OLR also administers the Health Benefits Program, Management Benefits Fund, Employee Assistance Program, Work Well NYC, Medicare Part B Reimbursement, Pre-Tax Benefits & Citywide Programs including the Deferred Compensation Plan and NYCE IRA. The office negotiates collective bargaining agreements, serves as a resource to agencies on workforce labor issues, and works with the Municipal Labor Committee (MLC) to innovate in areas such as City health insurance programs.

About the role

The Communications Associate will work within the newly established Communications Division to build a public-facing communications apparatus from the ground up. This role will impact over a million New York City public servants and retirees by shaping how essential health benefits, wellness initiatives, and labor policies are communicated across the municipal workforce. The position connects workforce engagement with broader public education, helping constituents understand the intersection of labor, public service, and city life.

Responsibilities

• Drafting, proofreading, and editing press releases, statements, talking points, and interview briefings.
• Building communication plans and strategies for internal and external campaigns (e.g., Health Benefits, Employee resources).
• Tracking legislative developments, policy shifts, and elected official activities; coordinating communications and messaging alignment with partner City agencies and external government stakeholders.
• Establishing messaging frameworks and policy briefings for communications in collaboration with the Director.
• Maintaining and updating comprehensive subject matter briefing materials, policy one-pagers, and talking points for agency leadership.
• Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and tracking media coverage.
• Monitoring industry news, researching PR strategies, and compiling analytics reports on communication campaign success.
• Assisting with the planning of internal events and internal communication materials.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described; or
• An equivalent combination of education and/or experience. All candidates must have at least one year of experience in community work or community-centered activities.

Preferred Skills

• At least one additional year of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain City employees may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County after two continuous years of City service.

Pay

$62,868.00 – $80,000.00