Strategic Content Editor, Bureau of Communications

Position Overview

The Office of External Affairs manages many of the agency's most critical interactions with the public, ranging from raising awareness and promoting healthy behaviors to advancing policies and responding to health emergencies. Within the Bureau of Communications, the Creative Communications Content group oversees the writing, editing, and creation of content to inform New Yorkers of key health topics and emergency situations.

We are seeking to hire a Strategic Content Editor. Additionally, please note the reference identifier CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744 relates to the accompanying eligibility and qualification details.

Key Responsibilities

• Meticulously write, edit, and proofread agency communications—including reports and toolkits incorporating extensive data and research—with exceptional attention to detail.
• Collaborate with internal subject matter experts on longer, complex materials, performing line-editing, content development, research, and proofreading for public-facing content.
• Review and analyze survey data, field studies, and other research methods to enhance messaging, organization, tone, and overall structure of materials.
• Work closely with program staff and external collaborators to draft significant portions of projects and perform research to inform content.
• Advance the Health Department’s mission by researching and generating accessible, high-quality written content in plain language and consistent style.
• Participate in editorial meetings to discuss style changes, troubleshoot workflow issues, and advise fellow editors on research and fact-checking.
• Coordinate with members of the Creative Communications team (Marketing, Digital Communications, Language Services, and Design) as project needs arise.
• Support emergency response communications by writing, editing, researching, and fact-checking content and synthesizing relevant data.

Required Qualifications

• For Assignment Level I (applicable to physical, biological, environmental sciences and public health): A master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate field.
• For Assignment Level II and above: Either a doctorate with one year of full-time supervisory/administrative or research experience, or a master's degree with three years of responsible full-time research experience. Alternatively, equivalent education and/or experience meeting the above criteria, with all candidates holding at least a master's degree and a minimum of two years of relevant experience.
• Note: Appointments are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment (with specific exceptions based on tenure and applicable county residency).

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of writing, storytelling, and strategic, creative, and critical thinking.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex messages through clear and simple design tailored to diverse New York City audiences.
• Self-motivated with outstanding attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational skills with the capacity to manage and prioritize multiple projects and timelines.
• A professional, courteous, and respectful attitude when interacting with colleagues, leadership, and stakeholders.

Benefits & Perks

• Loan Forgiveness: Eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs, which may lessen or fully forgive your balance. (Please refer to the U.S. Department of Education website for details.)
• Benefits: Access to a premium-free health insurance plan saving employees over $10K annually, along with additional health, fitness, and financial benefits depending on union/benefit fund associations; a defined benefit pension plan; a tax-deferred savings program; and a robust Worksite Wellness Program.
• Work From Home Policy: Opportunity to work up to two days per week from home, subject to your position.
• Job Security: Enjoy enhanced job stability relative to private sector opportunities while contributing to a healthier NYC.