Executive Director of Editorial and Content

ALL CANDIDATES MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE TITLE ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST. ADD ERN# TO RESUME

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the city towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our care. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

About the role

The Department of Correction seeks to appoint an Executive Director of Editorial and Content who, under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent action and decision-making, will develop and manage editing, writing, and proofreading a wide variety of content for the agency. The chosen candidate will have demonstrated success as a writer and editor who has experience turning around content quickly, confirming details for accuracy, and producing information for a range of different audiences.

Responsibilities

• Research, write, edit, and proofread internal and external materials, including but not limited to, newsletters, publications, web copy, op-eds, speeches, public statements, announcements, and more. Audiences include correctional staff, people in the DOC’s care, agency partners, and the general public.
• Manage, maintain, and distribute up-to-date messaging documents, including but not limited to, briefing packages and talking points.
• Review and edit internal and external materials to ensure they are well-written, in plain language, concise, consistent with agency style, easily understandable by their target audiences, and skillfully negotiate edits and revisions with partners.
• Manage a wide range of editorial projects from draft to completion.
• Ensure that content is consistent and the voice is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Provide additional support as needed to colleagues, including, but not limited to, the Assistant Commissioner of Social Media Platforms, internal communications teams, and the press office.
• Adapt to a fast-paced environment, managing multiple competing priorities and using sound judgment in decision-making, while effectively disseminating Departmental information.
• Must be available to work after hours, weekends, and during emergencies as needed.

Preferred Skills

• Newsroom experience and proficiency in languages other than English (especially Spanish) a plus.
• Excellent judgment, editing, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Must work well independently and as a team member.
• Ability to handle multiple deadline assignments in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment.
• Prior government experience a plus.

Qualifications

• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism, or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory, or consultative capacity; or
• A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to the above. Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience. However, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Pay

$83,718.00 – $100,000.00

Additional Information

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.