New York State Senate District 59

Communications Director

The Communications Director serves as the prime communicator and bridge between Senator Gonzalez’s office, the press, and the political world at large. The Communications Director maintains all public-facing communications platforms including social media, physical mailers, the official senate website, and our official email newsletter. The Communications Director will report directly to the Chief of Staff, and work closely with them and the Senator.

• Regularly updates the Senate website with relevant information concerning the district and legislature including articles, interviews, letters of support, and scheduled hearings involving Senator Gonzalez, her legislation, and office
• Writes and regularly schedules press releases related to specific issues and concerns, updates and maintains press lists for local, citywide, statewide, national news outlets, and provides quotes and drafts statements, and coordinates press interviews, television and radio appearances on behalf of Senator Gonzalez’s office
• Manages the Senator’s online presence through social media and the Senate website
• Works with the Legislative Director, Senator, and advocacy groups on pitching op-eds regarding specific relevant policy and legislation
• Coordinates with the community affairs team and legislative team to see what information should be posted and shared in newsletters, mailers, emails, and on social media

Key Abilities & Experience

• Two to three years of communications experience
• Exceptional attention to detail and time management skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comfort/experience with a public-facing position and the ability to work with basic office computer applications
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to prioritization of and recommendations on appointments
• Strong organizational and filing skills
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, with a high degree of adaptability in a fast- changing, often high stakes environment
• Ability to treat confidential information with appropriate discretion
• Demonstrated commitment to bettering the material conditions of working-class New Yorkers in and beyond SD-59
• Required to live in New York State upon beginning of employment.

Bonus points if you:

• Are a resident of SD 59
• Have video editing and/or graphic design experience

This is a full-time, overtime exempt position. Lodging and travel expenses for trips to Albany will be paid for.

To Apply

Submit a 1-page resume, a 1-page cover letter, and names and contact information for three professional references to Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 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 April 22nd.

The NYS Senate offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that include a health and wellness in the workplace program that you and your family can benefit from:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off (Vacation & Personal)
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Sicks days
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance
• Wellness Program

The New York State Senate is an Equal Opportunity employer that values a diverse and equitable workplace. We do not permit discrimination based on race, age, creed, color, religion, gender/sex, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, national origin, predisposing genetic characteristics, or physical or mental disability, domestic violence victim status, arrest/criminal conviction record, pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity or expression, sexual harassment, immigration status, or hair texture or protective hair styles.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Are you a resident of New York?

Experience:

• Communications: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: In person