Deputy Commissioner, Strategic Communications and Public Affairs

About the role

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) leverages technology to drive opportunity, improve public safety, and help government run better across New York City. From delivering affordable broadband to protecting against cybersecurity threats and building digital government services, OTI is at the forefront of how the City delivers for New Yorkers in the 21st century.

At OTI, we offer great benefits, and the chance to work on projects that have a meaningful impact on millions of people. You'll have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and collaborate with other passionate professionals who share your drive and commitment to making a difference through technology.

The Office of Strategic Communications and Public Affairs translates the Chief Technology Officer's (CTO) vision and priorities into clear, compelling communications and engagement strategies.

The Office shapes how OTI tells the story of its work; builds understanding and support among New Yorkers, elected officials, government partners, employees, and other stakeholders; and demonstrates the tangible impact of technology on City government and the everyday lives of New Yorkers.

The Deputy Commissioner will serve as a senior strategic advisor to the CTO and lead OTI's communications and intergovernmental affairs functions.

The Deputy Commissioner will be responsible for developing and executing an integrated communications and public affairs strategy, providing strategic advisement to agency leadership, building productive relationships with key stakeholders, and ensuring that OTI communicates with a clear, consistent, and compelling voice. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Serve as a strategic advisor to the CTO and senior leadership, translating leadership priorities and direction into clear communications, public affairs, and intergovernmental strategies and proactively identifying opportunities, risks, and emerging issues.
• Shape and maintain a compelling agency narrative that connects individual initiatives to OTI's broader mission and demonstrates tangible outcomes for City government and everyday New Yorkers.
• Set and maintain a high standard for executive and agency communications, including press releases, public testimony, speeches, talking points, briefing materials, reports, digital content, internal communications, and other high-profile written products. Ensure materials are accurate, polished, human-centered, and reflective of the CTO's voice and priorities.
• Translate complex technology, policy, and operational issues into clear and accessible communications tailored to non-technical audiences, including New Yorkers, elected officials, journalists, advocates, government partners, and OTI employees.
• Lead OTI's media relations strategy, proactively identifying and developing stories that advance agency priorities, responding strategically to press inquiries, cultivating relationships with local and national media, and coordinating closely with City Hall and partner agencies to ensure alignment of messaging.
• Lead crisis and sensitive-issue communications, anticipating communications risks, advising executive leadership, developing response strategies, and ensuring timely, accurate, and coordinated communications during urgent or high-profile situations.
• Develop and lead OTI's intergovernmental affairs strategy, anticipating legislative, policy, and oversight issues affecting OTI and advising agency leadership on engagement strategies.
• Oversee preparation for hearings, briefings, and other high-stakes government engagements, ensuring testimony, Q&A, briefing materials, and executive preparation reflect the CTO's perspective, anticipate stakeholder concerns, and clearly communicate OTI's priorities and impact.
• Lead OTI's internal communications strategy, helping employees understand agency priorities, amplifying successes across the agency, strengthening organizational alignment, and supporting leadership in communicating effectively during periods of organizational and cultural change.
• Lead and develop the Strategic Communications and Public Affairs team, establishing clear priorities, roles, workflows, and standards; strategically deploying team resources; coaching and developing staff; fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and excellence, and ensuring high-quality work is completed on time. HOURS/SHIFT Day
• Due to the management duties of this position in a 24/7 operation, candidate may be required to be on call, work overtime and/or various shifts such as weekends and/or nights/evenings.

Qualifications & Requirements

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