Communications Director
New York City, NY
Open Plans
Date Posted: 6/17/2026
Title: Communications Director
Location: New York City
Wage: $95,000–$105,000 annual salary plus benefits
Date Posted: June 1, 2026
Application Due: June 25, 2026
If selected to move forward, screenings will begin June 30, 2026.
Open Plans is a mission-centered nonprofit organization that uses tactical urbanism, grassroots advocacy, targeted journalism, and policy to promote structural reforms within city government that support livable streets, neighborhoods and the city-at-large. The worldwide movement to reclaim public spaces for the public good informs our work, and we believe that human connection, creativity, and community are strongest when people’s needs take precedence over the storage and movement of vehicles. Open Plans has the experience, enthusiasm, and an eagerness to change New York City and beyond.
We are seeking an experienced, connected, mission-driven communications professional with 5–10 years of experience, preferably in the nonprofit sector, to lead diverse communications, both tactically and strategically, to promote a people-first street culture and achieve Open Plans’ goals in policy, organizing, engagement, fundraising, and more. The Communications Director will work with leadership and across staff departments to get Open Plans into a crowded media and advocacy ecosystem, getting our message in front of target audiences and stakeholders, including activists and elected officials.
The Communications Director will report directly to our Co-Executive Director and will be a collaborative, integral part of this dynamic and ambitious team. The Communications team also includes a Social Media Associate and a Senior Designer who report to the Communications Director. A successful candidate will be passionate about our mission to reduce driving and reclaim space for people.
Key Responsibilities Include
Strategic Communications
Develop and execute comprehensive strategic messaging, both internal and external, to advance the organization’s mission and support all external campaigns
Create annual communications plans to outline opportunities to advance legislative and policy priorities and campaigns, boost brand awareness, support fundraising goals, and build media relationships
Collaborate with the development team to create pitch decks, event materials, fundraising emails and other tools for donor cultivation and stewardship
Media Relations
Position Open Plans as a thought leader on our campaigns and legislative and policy priorities by drafting and distributing written statements and press releases to generate media hits
Ideate, draft and pitch op-eds, press releases, impactful stories, and other media outreach to support our campaign work and garner positive press coverage and political and/or public support
Anticipate and seize opportunities to jump into relevant and important breaking news
Serve as the first point of contact between media and Open Plans; arrange and advise staff on media interviews
Maintain and build deep working relationships with reporters and outlets
Brand Identity and Messaging
Ensure a consistent brand strategy across content, departments, and campaigns
Write talking points, messaging, web pages and more for individual campaigns and special projects
Maintain consistent messaging and design across all platforms, projects, and pieces while adjusting for different audiences
Develop scripts and talking points to assist staff in sharing messaging to advance our mission and goals
Content Guidance and Creation
Own and ensure cohesive roll out of all printed and digital content, including website, social media, brochures, one-pagers, and collaborate on written reports
Manage the content distribution of biweekly newsletter
Manage team members responsible for social media and graphic design; collaborate and support their creative direction, giving consistent, thoughtful, direct feedback
Produce the Annual Report and digital execution of year-end appeals
Assist with communications for events such as copy writing for blog posts, invitations, awards, etc.
The Ideal Candidate Has/Is
Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications, marketing and media strategies in a nonprofit or government setting
Exceptional original written and oral communications skills; ability to write persuasively and creatively; skilled editor of written content
Experience with the news media, including placing stories, op-eds and fostering strong relationships with journalists
Ability to think strategically and hold the long-term vision while remaining nimble and responsive to day-to-day communications needs
Skilled at anticipating and jumping on opportunities to share our work and join the conversations happening in our movement and in the zeitgeist
Passionate and knowledgeable about our mission
Exceptional listening skills and high emotional intelligence
Excels in a fast-paced work environment and can jump in to help others to collaboratively get the work done
Able to distill complex topics and ideas into clear, compelling, digestible content and communicate crucial nuances to various audiences, including on social media
Proactive, self-motivated and organized; able to work both independently and in collaboration with others
Demonstrates humility, curiosity, and a collaborative approach to problem solving; seeks input from colleagues and stakeholders and incorporates feedback constructively
Able to effectively project manage and drive projects forward to completion
Flexible, creative, and critical-thinking problem solver who can employ many strategies to reach goals
Has or can develop and maintain city and state press connections
Knowledgeable about New York City government and city agencies
A team player and strong collaborator
Adept at both managing staff and sharing information with manager so they are informed and equipped
Proficiencies in digital marketing tools, Google Ads, CRMs, and social media a plus
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
Optional pre-tax FSA
401(k) plan with 4% match in 2026
12 weeks paid parental leave
15 paid days off per calendar year
11 paid holidays annually
5 sick/wellness days per calendar year
Office Space
Open Plans’ TriBeCa office is a beautiful space filled by natural light and greenery, with generous snacks, a coffee bar, and refreshments.
How to Apply
Please fill out this form, where you will have the opportunity to upload a single PDF with your cover letter, resume and a short writing sample of your choosing. Examples of a short writing sample include a press release, an op-ed, newsletter or similar.
Applications are due by June 25, 2026.
We offer competitive salaries and benefits that are aligned with market research and the requirements of the role. All salary offers are based on a combination of factors including experience and competencies, not on a candidate’s salary negotiation skills. Please review and consider our salary range before applying.
We believe that issues of public space, environmental impacts, and street safety disproportionately affect the most marginalized people in society, including people of color, people from working-class backgrounds, women, and LGBTQ people. Because we believe that these communities must be centered in the work we do, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.
About Us
We are people who are optimistic, creative, relentless and have a passion for making New York City’s public spaces—our streets, sidewalks, and plazas—vibrant, joy-filled and community-oriented. We inspire and activate ordinary New Yorkers to see what is possible and to take action to improve our urban landscape. We believe that people love New York City because it’s a walking city and that by prioritizing walking, biking and transit we build a stronger, more resilient city.
We value teamwork, empathy, openness and growth. We find simple solutions for intractable problems, big and small. We strive to maintain a culture of belonging and acceptance where people can be themselves, work together, trust each other, do good work, laugh and have fun.
Open Plans shares a parent organization with StreetsblogNYC, Streetsblog Empire State, StreetsblogUSA and Streetfilms.