Description
The Position:
The Communications Director for New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif leads the Office’s media, digital, and narrative strategy. The Director will work closely with the Council Member, Chief of Staff, Senior Advisor, and other team members to ensure the Office’s press, social media, and constituent outreach operations align with and advance the Office’s priorities.
Major Responsibilities:
Run the press operation of the Office, including but not limited to:
Placing stories and op-eds
Planning and executing press conferences and other media events
Writing press releases, statements, quotes, and press advisories and following up with reporters for most effective coverage
Developing strong working relationships with reporters and editors
Preparing and staffing the Council Member for interviews, panels, and public appearances
Monitoring and tracking the Office’s media coverage
Manage the social media operation of the Office, including but not limited to:
Creating a social media content calendar
Writing and designing content for all social media accounts
Creating short- and long-form video (filming and editing), Instagram reels, graphics, and reels
Increasing the Office’s reach on Instagram, X, Bluesky, and other platforms
Ensuring brand voice, accessibility (alt text, captions), and accuracy across posts
Oversee the Office’s email strategy, including but not limited to:
Drafting weekly email newsletters; manage the the email database
Collaborating with constituent services and legislative staff to highlight services, events, and wins
Organize and write a bi-yearly district-wide mailer
Proactively lead the Office’s communications as they relate to campaigns, issues, and partnerships, including but not limited to:
Partnering with the Senior Advisor on campaigns and actions to promote legislative and community priorities
Coordinating with staff of other elected officials, community leaders, and advocacy organizations, both in District 39 and citywide, to align and amplify messaging
Supporting rapid response and crisis communications
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have:
2-3 years of communications experience (ideally in New York City), in government, politics, or the nonprofit sector
Experience writing content for and managing multiple social media platforms
Demonstrated creativity and ability to adapt to and leverage a changing media and political landscape
Strong news sense and knowledge of the media
Excellent verbal and writing skills
Superb organizational skills and attention to detail
Video editing skills
Graphic design skills
The ability to stay calm in a fast-paced and high-pressure political environment
A passion for building a progressive city that works for all
