EXECUTIVE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

About the role

The Department of Social Services (DSS) is comprised of the administrative units of the New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) and the Department of Homeless Services (DHS). HRA is dedicated to fighting poverty and income inequality by providing New Yorkers in need with essential benefits such as Food Assistance and Emergency Rental Assistance. DHS is committed to preventing and addressing homelessness in New York City by employing a variety of innovative strategies to help families and individuals successfully exit shelter and return to self-sufficiency as quickly as possible.

The Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC) for Strategic Communications provides focused leadership and operational oversight for the Department of Social Services' external and internal communications functions and intergovernmental affairs. Reporting to the DSS Commissioner, the EDC ensures the agency's public narrative is timely, accurate, and mission aligned; coordinates media engagement; strengthens digital and social presence; supports internal communications and marketing efforts; and manages relationships with legislative and government stakeholders.

With very wide latitude for independent judgement and decision-making, this role ensures that agency priorities are clearly articulated, effectively communicated, and strategically advanced through coordinated policy, communications, and legislative engagement. The EDC plays a central role in shaping the DSS-HRA-DHS public narrative, strengthening relationships with the City Council and other government entities, and aligning internal operations with external messaging and strategic goals.

DSS-HRA is recruiting for one (1) Assistant Deputy Administrator (HRA) M-VI to function as an Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC) for Strategic Communications who will:

• Oversee the administration and operation of the Strategic Communications Office.
• Execute, monitor, and oversee activities of the Office of Communications and Marketing encompassing internal and external communications, employee communications, marketing, and advertising graphic services.
• Lead the development, creation and coordination of all press and broadcast media communications to disseminate information regarding HRA/DHS activities to the public. and to positively promote HRA's/DHS' image throughout the state.
• Oversee Press Communications in the engagement of media representatives such as editors, reporters, interviewers, researchers, etc. for television, radio, newspapers, and magazines; oversees the response to media inquiries about specific cases and the provision of information on programs, policies, and services; and oversees the development and stimulation of coverage of positive accomplishments for HRA and DHS.
• Serve as a Principal Advisor to the DSS Commissioner. HRA and DHS Administrators and senior level executive staff in the formulation and resolution of policy issues concerning public relations strategy: oversee the analysis and response of legislative policy, administrative guidelines to reflect DSS priorities and initiatives. Works closely with the Commissioner/Administrator(s) in the formulation of public relations policy.
• Collaborate with the Commissioner, the Mayor's Office and Administrators on DSS/HRA/DHS legislative and policy priorities, and messaging. Participate in legislative strategy and provides talking points for community notifications meetings with a focus of high-profile projects.
• Guide the Intergovernmental and Legislative Affairs team in the development and maintenance of strong political relationships that benefit the agency including attending meetings with elected officials and their staff; give direction on the management of political relationships in each borough and the agencies responsiveness to constituent complaints received from elected officials.
• Provide executive guidance in the planning of public information on HRA/DHS activities; ensure coordination of public relations, proactive public information activities of HRA/DHS and its component agencies.
• Represent the Commissioner before legislative bodies, city, state and Federal agencies, government officials, and business contacts as it relates to assigned area of responsibility.
• Serve on various steering and policy making groups to ensure effective delivery of services, implementation of new initiatives, and program development of community and governmental engagement and outreach.

Hours/Shift: Monday - 8:30am-5:30pm

Qualifications & Requirements

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (e.g., Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, Journalism, or related field) preferred.

Experience

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, and/or government relations.
• Demonstrated experience managing multi-channel communications programs and legislative engagement in a government or public sector environment.
• Experience with crisis communications and cross-agency coordination.