New York City Emergency Management (NYCEM) helps New Yorkers before, during, and after emergencies through preparedness, education, and response. NYCEM is responsible for coordinating citywide emergency planning and response for all types and scales of emergencies. We are staffed by more than 200 dedicated professionals with diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise, including individuals assigned from other City agencies.
The External Affairs division works to engage with New Yorkers, elected officials, community organizations, private businesses and regional partners to inform them about the agency’s and the City’s efforts before, during, and after an emergency. Its units include Public Information (Press and Communications), Government Relations, and Strategic Partnerships.
The Public Information unit is comprised of two units: Press and Communications. Press serves as the spokespeople for the agency. Communications works in conjunction with other External Affairs divisions to prepare and disseminate NYC Emergency Management’s preparedness message as well as promote the initiatives of all agency units.
New York City Emergency Management seeks a Press Officer to join its External Affairs bureau and serve on the front line of the City's public communications during emergencies, major incidents, and daily agency operations.
The Press Officer serves as an agency spokesperson, manages relationships with news media, and helps develop and execute public information strategies that reach New Yorkers with clear, timely, and accurate information. The role requires strong judgment, excellent writing, sound news instincts, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-moving, high-pressure environments.
This position is suited for a communications professional who can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy, translate complex information for broad audiences, and exercise sound judgment when the stakes are high.
The Press Officer will:
- Serve as an agency spokesperson and primary liaison to reporters, government agencies, City Hall, and external partners.
- Respond to press inquiries by rapidly gathering information, coordinating with subject-matter experts, and developing accurate, clear, and timely responses.
- Write and edit press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, pitches, and other public-facing materials.
- Help coordinate sensitive and deadline-driven communications during emergencies and major citywide incidents.
- Provide dedicated media support during emergency operations, including evenings, weekends, and other non-standard hours when necessary.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, trade, and community media.
- Identify opportunities to advance NYCEM's work, expertise, preparedness initiatives, and public profile through proactive media engagement.
- Monitor breaking news, emerging issues, and relevant policy developments that may affect the agency or require a communications response.
- Plan and support press conferences, media availabilities, interviews, and public events.
- Maintain media lists, monitoring systems, and other tools necessary for an effective press operation.
- Collaborate across External Affairs and with agency programs to develop stories highlighting NYCEM personnel, operations, and initiatives.
- Support special projects and other high-priority communications assignments as needed.
**PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
As part of NYCEM's emergency response mission, this position participates on an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team. During emergency activations, team members may be required to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or extended shifts in support of City response operations. Outside of activations, EOC members participate in periodic training and exercises to maintain operational readiness, and may volunteer to assist with Ready NY emergency preparedness presentations to external groups. EOC teams are on call for three weeks at a time, with six weeks off in between.
Please note, the high end of the salary range is available to candidates who have been in City service two or more years.
Funding – This position is supported with a federal Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant funding through 8/31/2027 with the possibility of an extension.
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Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without employer support to be eligible for selection. Note that NYCEM does not participate in eVerify, which is required for the reauthorization of some visas.
The selected candidate will be required to be in person in the office location three days per week, with exceptions for extenuating circumstances.
For this position, the “Special Note” below in the Minimum Qualification Requirements does not apply.
We as an agency recognize that valuable leadership and analytical experience may be gained through public service, military service, academia, nonprofit organizations, the private sector, volunteer leadership, or other professional settings. Candidates are encouraged to describe transferable experiences that demonstrate their qualifications.
NYCEM is committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the application and hiring process for qualified applicants with disabilities.
IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS JOB, PLEASE SUBMIT A SEPARATE COVER LETTER IN THE ATTACHMENTS SECTION OF THE APPLICATION PORTAL.
PREFERRED SKILLS
- Previous experience in press, public relations, journalism, government communications, or a related field. Experience with government, emergency management, or the New York City press corps is strongly preferred.
- Experience working in New York City government, politics, media, or civic affairs, with a strong understanding of the City's government, communities, geography, and media environment.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure, exercise sound judgment during fast-moving situations, and work evenings, weekends, or other non-standard hours when emergencies require.
- Excellent writing, editing, research, and verbal communication skills, including familiarity with AP style and experience developing media or communications strategies.
- Strong organizational and coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities.
- Strong news judgment and the ability to identify emerging issues, anticipate media interest, and translate complex information into clear public-facing language.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and common media monitoring, digital communications, audio, or multimedia production tools.
- Bilingual or multilingual proficiency is a plus.
NOTE: Candidates are not expected to possess every preferred qualification. Successful applicants may demonstrate equivalent knowledge, transferable experience, or the ability to quickly learn new systems and technologies.
In addition, the selected candidate will be able to demonstrate a proven ability in the following areas, from the agency’s performance management model:
Competencies:
o Knowledge – demonstrates or has the ability to develop the knowledge necessary to perform the responsibilities of the position.
o Work Ethic and Productivity – produces consistently high quality, accurate, and on-time deliverables; takes responsibility, is dependable, and accountable, and follows through; is responsive to requests from leadership.
o Strategic Problem Solving and Innovation – is thoughtful and deliberate in approach to solving problems; demonstrates innovation and creative thinking.
o Effective Communication – Demonstrates the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including during time-sensitive and high-pressure situations.
o Teamwork – encourage collaboration and motivate others; is able to both lead and follow when necessary; is an active listener and consider a broad range of perspectives.
**Studies have shown that women, people of color, and other under-represented groups are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are interested in finding the best candidate for the job and will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education and experience to meet qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.**
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS SPECIAL - 94612