Deputy Chief of Communications

About the role

The Office of the District Attorney, Bronx County (“BXDA”) is charged with the twin goals of ensuring public safety and striving for equal justice for the over 1.4 million members of the Bronx County community. By “Pursuing Justice with Integrity,” the BXDA places a focus on assistance for crime victims while simultaneously ensuring fairness to defendants. Moreover, the BXDA aims to balance the need to seek appropriate punishment for certain crimes while recognizing when punitive measures do not adequately advance justice. By recognizing these significant distinctions and acting accordingly, BXDA has established a standard of excellence in the representation of the Bronx community at large, which continues to grow stronger every day. In furtherance of this mission, the BXDA seeks experienced and enthusiastic Deputy Chief of Communications.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Chief of Communications with day-to-day operations of the Communications / Public Information Unit.
• Supervise, train, and provide guidance to communication staff under the direction of the Chief of Communication.
• Handle media inquiries, arrange interviews, organize press conferences.
• Write press releases, external newsletters, and internal communications such as memos, newsletters.
• Prepare speeches, testimony, and PowerPoints for DA.
• Attend court proceedings.
• Accompany DA to events, meetings, and external press conferences.
• Mentor and supervise a staff of (6) staff members.
• All other duties assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four years of progressively responsible experience in journalism, public relations, advertising, or closely related fields. OR High school diploma or its educational equivalent and 8 years of full-time, paid experience in the areas stated above.

Preferred Qualifications: A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a supervisory role. A master’s degree in communications, public relations, political communication, or strategic communications.

Skills

• Experience as a journalist covering crime, the criminal justice system, and police issues in New York City for seven to 10 years can be combined with experience as a public information officer or spokesperson role in these areas.
• Knowledge of the diversity and complexity of Bronx County.
• Strong understanding of the Criminal Justice system, and the NYC and Bronx communities.
• Proficient in MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, Adobe, MS Teams, Zoom, and social media.
• Excellent writing, editing, oral and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to effectively engage in inter/intra agency collaboration and navigate a variety of systems.
• Ability to work independently, assess priorities, take initiative, handle multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
• Residency Requirement: City Residency is not required for this position.

Pay

$185,500.00 – $185,500.00