The Office of Chief Medical Examiner investigates cases of persons who die within New York City from criminal violence, by accident, by suicide, suddenly when in apparent health, when unattended by a physician, in a correctional facility or in any suspicious or unusual manner or where an application is made pursuant to law for a permit to cremate a body of a person.

Our core purpose is to protect public health and serve impartial justice through forensic science and medicine. We exist to provide answers in support of families and communities during times of profound need.

The core values of CARES guide our work for communities and inform our behavior toward each other and all those we serve.

- Commitment: Dedicated to the mission at all times
- Accountability: Responsible to each other and the community
- Resilience: Adapt in the face of adversity
- Excellence: Achieve and maintain the highest quality
- Service: Innovate to meet evolving needs

JOB DESCRIPTION

The OCME Office of Public Affairs seeks a mid-level communications professional to support the Chief Communications Officer in the daily operations of a high-volume communications office working at the high-profile intersection of public health and justice in New York City government. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer with some latitude for independent judgment, the principal responsibilities of this position include but will not be limited to the following activities.

- Respond to routine media inquiries about OCME investigations and operations, including on nights and weekends as needed.
- Collaborate with OCME departments, City Hall Communications Office, and government agency partners to ensure alignment in communications activities where appropriate
- Assist with writing press releases, social media posts, agency intranet content and related items
- Answer questions from general public about agency policies and procedures, in partnership with relevant agency department
- Support Chief Communications Officer with strategic planning priorities as needed

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Desired qualifications include at least three years of working in media relations, strong writing skills, interpersonal intelligence, facility with complex material, knowledge of New York City government, maturity, flexibility, and ability to work independently. An undergraduate degree required, with areas of study including political science, government, criminal justice, journalism, and the natural sciences.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.