EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

ABOUT THE ROLE The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is seeking a full-time Executive Director of Public Engagement within the Bureau of External Affairs. This leadership role is critical to advancing public safety through productive partnerships with individuals, community boards, government agencies, elected stakeholders, and community-based organizations. The position reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs Chief and focuses on fire and life safety education, community preparedness, and strategic recruitment messaging. Note that this position is open only to current City of New York employees serving in the permanent civil service title of Administrative Staff Analyst or Administrative Community Relations Specialist. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Oversee fire and life safety education programs, including Fire Safety Education, Mobile CPR, and Stop the Bleed Training Units, ensuring culturally relevant messaging for diverse NYC communities - Manage public outreach and community preparedness grant programs, such as Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation initiatives and Community Risk Reduction planning - Lead the Community Affairs Unit to navigate communication and partnerships with NYC’s 59 Community Boards, Borough Presidents, and community, faith, and school-based organizations - Supervise Uniformed Community Liaisons who develop partnerships to improve community awareness of Fire/EMS response areas and FDNY initiatives - Develop recruitment strategies and culturally relevant public messaging campaigns to raise awareness of FDNY careers in Fire, EMS, and Fire Protection Inspection services - Establish and maintain private and public partnerships to foster FDNY initiatives related to fire/life safety education and recruitment MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations, with at least 18 months in an executive, managerial, administrative, or supervisory capacity: - Master’s degree in specified fields (e.g., public administration, economics, psychology, sociology) plus two years of relevant professional experience - Bachelor’s degree plus four years of relevant professional experience - Associate degree or 60 semester credits plus six years of relevant professional experience - High school diploma plus eight years of relevant professional experience - Relevant experience includes budget administration, management analysis, personnel administration, labor relations, program evaluation, or fiscal management PREFERRED SKILLS - Significant experience directing community affairs and/or intergovernmental issues - Prior experience overseeing public-facing education programs and coordinating large-scale outreach events - Strong knowledge of NYC government operations - Excellent written and verbal communication skills - Ability to manage multiple concurrent requests from various stakeholders - Proven track record of interacting effectively with senior management - Experience working with members of a uniformed agency - Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, or a related field SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Current City of New York employee in the permanent civil service title of Administrative Staff Analyst or Administrative Community Relations Specialist - New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment (exceptions may apply for certain long-term city employees) - Eligibility for the 55-a Program for qualified persons with disabilities SELECTION PROCESS - An exam may be required for this position - Application review based on minimum qualifications and preferred skills - Interview process with agency representatives HOW TO APPLY - Apply online through the City of New York jobs portal using Job ID 785115 - Ensure resume and cover letter highlight relevant experience - If applying through the 55-a Program, indicate this at the top of your resume and cover letter - Application deadline: August 4, 2026 EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: 9 Metrotech Center, Brooklyn, NY - Department: Community Engagement / Bureau of External Affairs - Employment Type: Full-Time - Experience Level: Manager (Job Level M2) - Number of Positions: 1 - Civil Service Title Classification: Competitive-1 - Benefits: Potential eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs