Community Affairs Associate

About the Role and Organization

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) safeguards and improves the economic well-being of New Yorkers, licensing around 45,000 businesses across over 40 sectors and enforcing important consumer and workplace regulations. DCWP supports businesses through fair enforcement and resource accessibility to protect the marketplace from unfair practices and foster compliance. It also empowers consumers and workers by offering tools for financial stability and work-life balance, while conducting research and advocating policies to enhance NYC communities.

External Affairs (EA) oversees DCWP’s interactions with the press, digital media, City Hall, elected officials, government entities, and community and faith groups, ensuring consistent messaging to advance the agency’s mission. EA’s responsibilities include promoting DCWP in media, managing public digital communications, producing public awareness campaigns, coordinating policy, conducting community outreach, and addressing constituent concerns.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and sustain relationships with elected officials, government bodies, industry and community stakeholders, and the public.
• Perform frequent outreach to underserved populations, both in-person and virtually.
• Effectively communicate the agency’s initiatives and policies in a clear, engaging way.
• Organize event logistics, including venues, materials, staff, and training sessions.
• Collaborate with different divisions within the department to ensure project success.
• Provide administrative support and assist with special or ad-hoc projects as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with two years of community-focused work experience related to the duties described; or
• High school diploma or equivalent with six years of relevant community-centered experience; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience, including at least one year as described above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership abilities, strategic thinking, and experience guiding diverse high-performing teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and aptitude for quickly learning new software and technologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Capacity to gather and analyze data effectively.
• Ability to understand relevant laws and regulations.
• Experience managing multiple tasks with competing deadlines with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Multilingual abilities are highly desirable.
• A valid driver’s license is a plus.
• Flexibility regarding working hours.

Additional Information

This position may allow up to two days of remote work per week through the Flexible Work Pilot Program.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of hire, though exceptions exist for certain employees after two continuous years of City service. Prospective employees may qualify for federal public service loan forgiveness and state loan assistance programs.

The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to diversity and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination based on legally protected characteristics.