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: $110,000- 120,000, 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. 

POSITION SUMMARY:  

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. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

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. 

Communications & Media Relations 

• 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 effectiveness of communications initiatives. 
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure consistent messaging and alignment across the organization. 

Community & Public Affairs 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders, local organizations, and institutional partners. 
• Oversee community engagement initiatives, outreach campaigns, and public forums. 
• Help plan and execute annual slate of RIOC community events. 
• Represent the corporation at public meetings, hearings, stakeholder meetings, and community events. 
• Track community sentiment and public issues that may impact the organization. 
• Promote special events and organizational programs and initiatives. 
• Ensure compliance with New York State accessibility and reasonable accommodation requirements at public meetings and sponsored events. 
• Performs other related duties as by Senior Management.  

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:  

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, media relations, or external affairs, including at least three (3) years of supervisory experience, preferably within government or the nonprofit sector. 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. 
• Demonstrated experience working within local and/or state government, with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected and appointed officials, executive leadership, department heads, staff, residents, and media. 
• Proven leadership experience managing comprehensive strategic communications, media relations, and marketing programs in support of organizational mission and goals. 
• Experience overseeing the development and dissemination of communications materials across multiple formats, including print, digital, audio, and video. 
• Experience in community event planning and engagement.  
• Demonstrated experience with digital communications tools and platforms, including social media management systems, content management systems, analytics tools, and basic photo/video editing software. 
• Experience pitching and placing stories in New York City and regional media outlets. 
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work effectively across departments. 
• Ability to gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports to evaluate communications and engagement efforts. 
• A strategic thinker and strong relationship builder with demonstrated ability to advance and strengthen RIOC’s mission. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:  

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field, and at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs, including supervisory experience. Demonstrated experience overseeing digital communications tools and platforms, including social media and content management systems, is preferred. 

An advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Communications, Public Affairs, Public Administration, or a related field is a plus. 

What RIOC offers:  

A comprehensive benefits package, including free health, dental and vision, paid holidays, sick and vacation days, commuter benefits, retirement plans, flexible spending accounts, free parking, or monthly transit check, free membership to our Sportspark complex, EAP, LTD and Life Insurance Programs. RIOC also offers an exciting work environment with a beautiful view of Manhattan and Long Island City. 

RIOC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RIOC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. 

RIOC is a public benefit corporation and a political subdivision of the State of New York, which operates under Title 35 of the Public Authorities Law. Commissioner of the New York State Homes and Community Renewal (“HCR”) serves as Chair of the RIOC Board of Directors. RIOC is empowered with carrying out the development, management and operation of Roosevelt Island. 

For more information about RIOC’s functions and mission, visit us at . 

RIOC provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, RIOC complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.