Director of Communications

The Director of Communications at the New York City Comptroller’s Office is responsible for overseeing the development of integrated communications strategies for cross-organizational projects, managing all communications outputs including reports and press releases, and leading a team of press and digital staff. This role is key in ensuring communications align with the office's vision and in fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

To be considered for the Director of Communications role at the New York City Comptroller’s Office, candidates should possess at least six years of communications experience in a government or advocacy setting, along with a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

The Director of Communications supervises a team of 8-10 press and digital staff members at the New York City Comptroller’s Office. This leadership role involves providing guidance and support to the team to achieve the office’s communications goals.

Essential skills for the Director of Communications at the New York City Comptroller’s Office include strong leadership abilities, expertise in digital communications, crisis management skills, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with the public and media.

The work environment at the New York City Comptroller’s Office is inclusive and collaborative. The office is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination, promoting an atmosphere where innovative communications strategies can flourish.

Key focus areas for communications strategies at the New York City Comptroller’s Office include enhancing public engagement, ensuring transparency in financial matters, integrating multimedia content, and building robust relationships with media outlets to broaden the office's impact.

The Director of Communications handles various outreach initiatives, including managing press relations, executing social media campaigns, and creating calls to action that enable effective communication with New Yorkers about the Comptroller's work and priorities.

To develop a communication strategy for a new city initiative, I would begin by identifying key stakeholders, outlining the initiative's objectives, and determining the target audiences. Collaborating with subject-matter experts, I would create a clear messaging framework and select appropriate communication channels to ensure messages are effectively delivered to the community.

In my previous roles, I have successfully managed media relations by building strong networks with journalists and media outlets, creating press materials, and coordinating press conferences. I understand the nuances of crafting compelling narratives that resonate with media audiences and drive positive coverage.

Measuring the success of a communication campaign involves setting clear objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) beforehand. I utilize metrics such as media coverage, social media engagement, audience reach, and feedback to assess impact and refine future strategies.

In a crisis communication situation, I would prioritize transparency and timely communication. I would assemble a response team, prepare key messages, and ensure consistent updates across all channels to maintain public trust. Rapid response and clear information dissemination are critical.

Digital communication plays a vital role in my strategies as it allows for real-time engagement with the public. I leverage social media, email campaigns, and multimedia content to reach diverse audiences, inform them about the Comptroller’s work, and encourage community involvement.

To maintain a consistent voice, I provide comprehensive training for my team on our messaging guidelines and core values. Regular team meetings and collaborative efforts ensure that everyone is aligned, and I encourage open feedback to continually refine our approach.

In my previous role, I once managed a challenging stakeholder by establishing open lines of communication and actively listening to their concerns. By addressing their issues transparently and keeping them informed throughout the process, I fostered trust and eventually secured their support for our initiatives.

I have experience in budget management within communications by planning campaigns within allocated resources, prioritizing spending, and regularly analyzing costs versus outcomes to ensure that we achieve the best return on investment.

When developing press materials, I focus on creating clear, concise, and compelling content. I ensure that all materials not only convey key messages but also highlight the broader significance of the Comptroller’s work to engage stakeholders effectively.

To engage the public via social media, I employ a mix of informative content, interactive posts, and timely responses to audience inquiries. I also analyze engagement metrics to further tailor our social media strategy and maintain active dialogues with our constituents.