Director Communications and Public Affairs

Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Corporation: Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation

Location: Roosevelt Island, New York

REPORTS to: Assistant Vice President, Communications & Government Affairs

JOB STATUS: Full time, Regular

SALARY RANGE: $,000, Annually

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC and/or the Corporation) is a public benefit corporation, state authority and a political subdivision of the State of New York, which operates under Title 35 of the Public Authorities Law. RIOC’s mission is to plan, design, develop, operate, maintain and manage Roosevelt Island. As part of this mandate, RIOC operates and maintains several facilities, including the Cultural Center, Sportspark, and the Motorgate Garage, as well as open spaces such as Firefighter’s Field, Southpoint Park, and Lighthouse Park, among other facilities and locations.

Infrastructure operations include the Aerial Tramway, AVAC and free Red Bus services throughout Roosevelt Island. RIOC’s Public Safety Department serves as the Island community’s first responders in coordination with the New York City Police Department. RIOC’s workforce is comprised of administrative staff and union workers from Local 210, 32BJ, and PSOBA.

RIOC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. RIOC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the Corporation.

The Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) seeks an experienced, strategic, and dynamic professional to serve as Director of Communications & Public Affairs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Communications & Government Affairs, the Director will lead RIOC’s external communications and public affairs efforts and play a critical role in connecting the organization with the Roosevelt Island community, stakeholders, and media.

The Director of Communications & Public Affairs is responsible for the development and execution of RIOC’s comprehensive communications and public affairs strategy, ensuring clear, timely, and effective messaging that advances the organization’s mission, priorities, and leadership objectives. This role oversees communications activities that promote, enhance, and protect RIOC’s public profile and brand reputation.

The Director will serve as a key ambassador for the organization, building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets, community groups, elected and appointed officials, and island stakeholders. The position supports the integration and implementation of public affairs initiatives aligned with RIOC’s strategic direction and works to advance the organization’s visibility and standing among relevant audiences.

The Director oversees RIOC’s integrated communications products and platforms, including newsletters and other print publications, website and digital communications, and media and public relations, and provides communications counsel and support to organizational leadership.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the Director, Communications and Public Affairs will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications and public affairs strategies aligned with organizational priorities.
• Serve as spokesperson for the corporation and lead media relations, including cultivating press relationships, pitching stories, responding to inquiries, drafting speeches and statements, and arranging interviews for corporate officials.
• Provide communications counsel and messaging support to executive leadership.
• Oversee development and dissemination of public communications, including press releases, advisories, newsletters, website content, and social media, and guide overall content strategy and editorial planning.
• Lead crisis and issues communications planning and response.
• Monitor media coverage and emerging issues affecting the organization and adjust communications strategies as needed.
• Develop and track performance metrics to evaluate the…