Seth Squicciarino
An experienced strategic messaging and policy professional working at the intersection of community engagement and conversation to build trust and strengthen relationships across varied audiences.
Experience
Director of Communications
New York State Senate
Hauppauge, New York
- Lead comprehensive communication initiatives and messaging for a New York State Senator, developing and implementing engagement strategies for a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Oversee a two-person team on communications duties, providing guidance on messaging, outreach, and constituent engagement.
- Deliver executive, strategic, and crisis communications counsel to a member of the New York State Senate. Develop and implement communications plans that engage varied constituencies, reporters, and interest groups, resulting in a 94% year-over-year increase in earned media coverage.
- Craft and distribute one to two press releases per week; organize press conferences to advance key initiatives.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for a state senator, handling media inquiries, interviews, and public statements.
- Write persuasive speeches, compelling remarks, detailed talking points, and insightful editorials.
- Identify newsworthy projects and pitch story ideas to local, regional, and national outlets in the nation’s largest media market.
- Create compelling content for the website and social media channels that align with the policy objectives of a state senator.
- Manage direct-to-constituent communications from conception to delivery, ensuring clear messaging, strategic alignment, and measurable engagement.
- Design and distribute a monthly electronic newsletter reaching thousands of constituents and community leaders.
- Represent the senator at community meetings and events.
Communications and Policy Advisor
Suffolk County Legislature
Port Jefferson, New York
- Led strategic messaging and policy initiatives for elected officials in the nation’s largest suburban county, ensuring effective engagement with stakeholders across government, community, and media.
- Supervised an office of up to three staff members and four interns, fostering collaboration and professional growth.
- Produced all written and printed materials for an elected official representing over 80,000 residents.
- Developed and executed communications plans to engage diverse constituencies, media, and interest groups.
- Provided strategic counsel on legislative priorities, ensuring alignment with public needs and political realities.
- Advocated policy positions and built support among officials, agencies, and community leaders.
- Wrote and distributed 15 to 30 press releases annually; pitched stories to regional and local media outlets.
- Administered and coordinated Suffolk County’s Omnibus and Community Support Initiative grant programs.
- Oversaw all web and print content, serving as in-house graphic designer and editor.
- Designed monthly e-newsletters to inform thousands of constituents and community leaders.
- Produced bi-monthly policy briefings analyzing more than 1,200 bills introduced annually.
- Convened meetings with community organizations and stakeholders.
- Coordinated with county departments to ensure compliance with legislative mandates.
Legislative Aide
Suffolk County Legislature
East Setauket, New York
- Advanced legislative priorities through comprehensive policy research, bill drafting, and direct engagement with constituents and community partners.
- Drafted, filed, and tracked approximately 150 legislative bills per year.
- Researched local, state, and national policy issues to inform legislative decisions.
- Coordinated legislative committee agendas and facilitated meetings.
Legislative Assistant
Suffolk County Legislature
East Setauket, New York
- Managed administrative operations for a legislative district office serving 83,000 constituents.
- Resolved constituent concerns by coordinating with government agencies and service providers.
- Maintained the legislator’s schedule and coordinated public appearances.
- Administered the office’s internship program.
Education
St. Joseph’s University
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Social Sciences (Political Science concentration) Minor in History
Skills
CommunicationsExecutive CommunicationsCrisis CommunicationsStrategic CommunicationsSpeechwritingCommunications PlanningTalking PointsPress ConferencesPress ReleasesWritingEditingMessagingMarketingPublic RelationsCommunity RelationsPublic AffairsGovernmental RelationsMedia RelationsStakeholder EngagementLegislative AffairsAdvocacyPolicy DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisGovernment GrantsBudget DevelopmentBudget AnalysisGovernment OversightEvent PlanningFundraisingMicrosoft OfficeAdobe Creative SuiteGoogle WorkspaceReportsNewsletter DesignElectronic NewslettersSocial Media StrategyWeb DevelopmentHTMLContent Management Systems (CMS)Graphic DesignVideo ProductionContent CreationProject ManagementLeadershipTeam ManagementOffice Administration
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Positioned the lawmakers I serve as effective and innovative public servants, enabling their work to gain recognition and support.
Preserved thousands of acres of ecologically sensitive land as chief aide to the Legislature’s Environment, Parks & Agriculture Committee.
Saved thousands of lives through legislation promoting the use of Narcan by police and other key partners.
Pioneered parks and historical “passports” to inspire children and families to explore 63,000 acres of Suffolk parkland and understand the community's history and heritage.