This role provides an opportunity for exceptional candidates interested in urban issues and public service to work at the organization tasked with improving and promoting Times Square. This position calls for excellent writing and editing skills, experience using social media, and an ability to learn quickly and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Founded in 1992, the Times Square Alliance provides core neighborhood services, promotes local businesses, encourages economic development and public improvements, co-coordinates numerous major events (such as Times Square New Year’s Eve and Solstice in Times Square), and advocates on behalf of its constituents with respect to a host of public policy, planning and quality-of-life issues.
The External Affairs Coordinator will report to the Director of External Affairs and work closely with the President on a series of projects that help advance the Alliance’s public policy and government affairs agenda. This includes organizing and developing one-pagers, letters to elected officials, decks and press kits, as well as preparing for and attending meetings with external parties. S/he will work closely with the Communications department to craft messaging in response to specific quality-of-life incidents in Times Square, while also helping to execute a strategic communications and policy agenda. The External Affairs Coordinator will also have the opportunity to work directly with the President on his commitment as Chair Elect of the International Downtown Association, a role that will involve crafting speeches, planning conferences and urban thought leadership work on a global scale.
Job Duties
Regulatory Reform
- Assist in organizing and developing materials like one-pagers, letters to elected officials, decks and press kits related to regulatory reform and other government affairs related issues
- Manage two info email accounts and make sure any complaints or suggestions are logged and responded to
- Work closely with the Communications team to monitor and log any social media conversations related to external affairs efforts, and develop messaging for specific incidents and long-term strategy on regulatory reform issues
- Manage the A Better Times Square microsite and update as necessary
- Take notes and provides administrative support at meetings with External Affairs consultants
Other External Affairs Projects
- Assists with President’s role as Chair of the International Downtown Association, which includes conference planning, monitoring urban trends in cities around the world, preparing talking points, presentations and thought leadership documents, attending events with the President
- Draft and compile presentations on the transformation of Times Square and other urban trends on behalf of the President for use at conferences and meetings around the globe
- Contribute to the Alliance tourism advocacy agenda by taking part in meetings on the topic and assisting the President in his role as Co-chair of the NYC & Co. Governance and Advocacy Committee
General Department Support
- Compiles and disseminates the daily morning clips email to all staff
- Coordinates and executes clips reports, minutes and slides for board and executive committee meetings
- Occasionally attend Community Board or other community meetings and disseminate notes on topics covered
- Make updates to the main Alliance website as relevant or necessary
- Attend and assist with Alliance events, including New Year’s Eve, Taste of Times Square, Solstice in Times Square and Valentine’s Day (Love in Times Square)
- Other administrative duties, as needed
Qualifications
- Excellent writing, editing and verbal skills
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Strong administrative and organizational skills, as well as acute deadline sensitivity
- Proficient with Microsoft Office programs, Outlook and different social media platforms
- Interest or background in website management is preferred
- Interest or background in land use and/or first amendment law a plus
- Bachelor’s degree required
