Digital Communications Associate

About the Role

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

The Communications Associate will work within OLR’s 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 bridges workforce engagement with broader public education, helping constituents understand the intersection of labor, public service, and city life.

Responsibilities

• Draft, proofread, and edit press releases, statements, talking points, and interview briefings.
• Develop communication plans and strategies for internal and external campaigns (e.g., Health Benefits, Employee resources).
• Track legislative developments, policy shifts, and elected official activities; coordinate communications and messaging alignment with partner City agencies and external government stakeholders.
• Work with the Director of Communications to establish messaging frameworks and policy briefings.
• Maintain and update comprehensive subject matter briefing materials, policy one-pagers, and talking points for agency leadership to ensure accurate, unified communication.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and track media coverage.
• Monitor industry news, research PR strategies, and compile analytics reports on the success of communication campaigns.
• Assist with planning internal events and developing internal communication materials as needed.

Requirements

• A master’s degree in journalism or public relations from an accredited college; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising; or
• An associate degree or completion of 60 credits from an accredited college and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above. All candidates must have at least 60 credits from an accredited college.

For Assignment Level II, candidates must have at least one additional year of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising after meeting the minimum requirements for Assignment Level I.

Preferred Skills

• At least one additional year of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising.
• Proficiency in graphic design and marketing tools.

Benefits

• Eligibility for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs (see U.S. Department of Education’s website).

Pay

$65,249.00 – $80,000.00

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 service.