Job Opening: Communications & Outreach Director

Office of NYS Assembly Member Zohran K. Mamdani
Job Opening: Communications & Outreach Director

The Communications Director executes the communications strategy for the office, including social media, digital communications, and print communications. This team member also plans and conducts community outreach and engagement, including leading projects to bring historically ignored community members into the political process and representing the office at community meetings.

Job Description:

Communications:

  • Build and maintain a following on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to communicate about issues affecting constituents and the work of the office.
  • Distill complex policy into easily accessible language and generally strive to make our work and priorities as easily understandable as possible.
  • Document and communicate the office’s activities and accomplishments through various mediums to increase their impact with a larger audience.
  • Write and disseminate regular constituent and partner emails and mailers, including working with the Assembly to ensure production, compliance, and timely delivery.
  • Build and maintain a press list, cultivate relationships with reporters, and pitch stories.
  • Stay up-to-date on current events that affect the district and constituents to tailor communications and create relevant, responsive communications.

Community Outreach:

  • Attend official community meetings, e.g. Community Board 1, Community Education Council; there, represent the office’s agenda and work, build relationships, and report back to the team.
  • Plan and implement district events that are accessible to constituents, including creating event and press plans, securing vendors, managing volunteers, and ensuring turnout.
  • Conduct program outreach – town halls on priority issues, resource sessions, doorknocking and actions.
  • Organize events for the Member/office such as meet and greets, school visits, etc.
  • Actively bring people into the political process who would otherwise not be involved with it, especially with regard to communities that have been marginalized by this same process.
  • Flexible hours including occasional evenings and weekends.

Key Abilities and Experience:

  • Speaking and/or writing knowledge of Spanish, Arabic, Bangla, or Greek strongly preferred.
  • Professional experience leading social media communications and writing for digital communications for a large audience.
  • Impeccable writing abilities, with an understanding of the principles of graphic design and layout for print and social media platforms.
  • Demonstrated skill in synthesizing complex and large amounts of information to be understandable for a general audience.
  • Experience in event planning, community engagement and/or organizing a plus.
  • Comfort/experience with a public-facing position and excellent verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team.
  • Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, including in a fast-changing, often high stakes environment.
  • Knowledge of and familiarity with the political, social and cultural landscape of the district, as well as ability to develop an understanding of relevant policy issues.
  • Required to live in New York State upon beginning of employment.

Salary and Benefits:

$65,000 per year for a full-time overtime exempt position. This position offers health, vision, and dental insurance as well as a retirement plan. When travel to Albany is necessary, lodging and travel expenses will be paid for. The position also comes with sick days, vacation days, and personal time, as well as state and religious holidays.

Start Date:

June 27

To Apply:

Submit a 1-page resume, a 1-page cover letter, and names and contact information for three professional references to elle.zmassembly@gmail.com by May 18th at 6 pm with the subject line “Communications & Outreach Director.” Please keep in mind that we are looking for cover letters that tell us in your own words why you are a great candidate for the job and do not simply repeat the information in your resume.

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to each applicant. Applicants who advance to the first round of interviews will be notified by May 20th.

The Assembly is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability - as well as the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), does not discriminate on the basis of disability with regard to employment.