Job Description

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world\'s busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department\'s main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs. FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department\'s core values.

New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is seeking an experienced communications director and speechwriter to join its high-volume press operation and be part of the department\xe2\x80\x99s communications team. The Office of Public Information plays a key role in articulating FDNY\xe2\x80\x99s overall policy agenda and media strategy, including supporting all units on internal and external communications and managing interactions with the media. The office also responds to journalists\xe2\x80\x99 requests for information, disseminates news about major initiatives, and communicates with the public through traditional and digital media.

This is a fast-paced, demanding post that requires strategic planning, flexible work hours and the ability to work with a sense of urgency to meet the non-stop demands of a 24-hour news cycle. This is an ideal opportunity for an accomplished, detail-oriented self-starter who can work quickly and write well under time constraints, think both tactically and strategically, and handle a myriad of challenging responsibilities on a wide range of media-relations areas.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information the incumbent will be part of a team who will help manage the following:

• Manage a dedicated team of Press Officers.
• Manage daily press inquiries, pitch positive news stories, write press materials, prepare public statements, and assist with planning press events and managing responses on tight deadline while working closely with staff throughout the department to ensure accuracy.
• Actively pitch positive news stories to reporters from local and citywide publications and websites.
• Compose press releases, advisories, speeches, talking points, related presentations, and information; maintain and expand an extensive list of media contacts, build relationships with reporters and media outlets to ensure accurate coverage of DOC initiatives.
• Help to plan and manage frequent events for staff and stakeholders.
• Participate in on-call response to press inquiries.
• Advise senior leadership on pressing media inquires; help prepare the Commissioner and staff for any media interviews.
• Liaise with City Hall press team on all media inquires; ability to clearly articulate complex and sensitive information.
• Assist the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information with strategizing proactive and reactive media approaches.
• Support writing and editing content for in-house communication tools including websites, social media platforms, publications, and newsletters; performing other related functions and duties as required.

Minimum Qual Requirements

AT AGENCY\'S DISCRETION.

Preferred Skills

Sophisticated ability to communicate across all mediums; strong writing ability; public speaking; complex problems solving; risk management; long-term planning; strong community relationships; team building and management; strategic planning and organizational change management.

Additional Information

We offer great benefits and programs!

Health Benefits at no or low cost with an array of health plans
Defined Pension Plans
401(k) and 457(k) Retirement Savings Programs
Dental and Vision Coverage
Prescription Drug Program
Flexible Spending Program
Paid Holidays and Generous Annual Leave
Training and Professional Development
Opportunity for Scholarship
College Savings Program
Commuter Benefits
Employee Assistance Programs
Workplace Wellness Programs
Student Loan Forgiveness
Municipal Credit Union

• Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

To Apply

NON-CITY EMPLOYEES/EXTERNAL CANDIDATES PLEASE GO TO https://a127-jobs.nyc.gov/
CITY EMPLOYEES MUST APPLY VIA EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE https://a127-ess.nyc.gov/

Public Svc 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\xe2\x80\x99s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF.

Residency Requirement

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.