It’s the $200,000 job no one wants.
Despite dangling a lofty salary that nearly matches his own, Mayor Bill de Blasio hasn’t been able to find anyone to become his communications director.
Sources said at least three candidates who were interviewed said thanks, but no thanks.
Democratic insiders say the position would be challenging in the best of circumstances — and the administration is hardly operating at that level.
“You’re as good as the substance you’re spinning,” said a veteran Democratic spokesman.
“Even if you’re spinning a government that is running well, it’s still not easy.”
Despite a recent charm offensive, the mayor has gotten off to a wobbly relationship with reporters.
“I think all of them [the mayor’s camp] underestimated what a big deal it is to work with the press. They don’t see the press as constituents. They need someone who can step in and win back their trust,” said one source.
Sources identified one of those approached for the communications job as Glen Caplin, a seasoned pro who raised Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s profile after becoming her spokesman in 2009.
But Caplin, who has a young child, begged off.
The sources said City Hall also reached out to Salon politics editor Blake Zeff, who wrote a scathing takedown called “How de Blasio can fix his press problem.”
The article caught the attention of mayoral aides.
“They begged him to come in, and at first he wouldn’t take the meeting,” said one source. “As expected, he later said, ‘I’m not interested.’ ”
The sources said a third candidate who was sounded out was Max Young, who served as Sen. Charles Schumer’s press secretary until last month, when he moved to a communications post at the Rockefeller Foundation.
If past practice is followed, the communications director’s job would pay around $200,000. The mayor earns $225,000.
Sources said that top mayoral aides aren’t happy with press coverage of the administration, which is reflected in public polls.
Less than half of city residents approved of the mayor’s job performance, according to a poll by the New York Times, NY1 and Siena College.
The April 7 poll showed 49 percent gave de Blasio a thumbs-up, while 31 percent disapproved.
Some de Blasio staffers say former campaign spokesperson Lis Smith could have easily slipped into the communications director’s post if she had been kept on after the election.
She was outed as the secret girlfriend of then-married ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer — leading her to leave de Blasio’s team.
Phil Walzak, the mayor’s press secretary, insisted the search for the communications chief was proceeding as planned.
“Getting the right talent and the right fit is essential,” he said. “The Mayor’s Office is continuing a thorough search for the communications director position, and we are confident the final selection will augment an already-strong communications team at City Hall.”