City of New York is hiring: Assistant Press Secretary in New York

Overview

The New York City Department of Transportation operates a high-volume press shop that serves as a main point of contact for local, national, and international press outlets. The press office explains how the agency delivers for New Yorkers and defends its critical, life-saving work. The Assistant Press Secretary will work with deputies and report to the Press Secretary. They will help respond to media inquiries, pitch stories, draft press releases, organize press events, and do speechwriting. The individual will also manage administrative tasks that include the circulation of press clips, helping manage the press calendar, and assisting with operations at press events.

Responsibilities

• Help prepare, edit, and finalize press materials.
• Draft statements and responses to inquiries based on internal research; obtain final approval from agency representatives; maintain high-quality, professional standards for all media responses; ensure responses are aligned with agency standards and clearly articulate the agency’s position.
• Demonstrate strong clerical and writing abilities; collect and circulate press stories mentioning NYC DOT; track media impressions; assist with event and scheduling; and support day-of press conferences.
• Keep abreast of local, national, and international news relating to NYC DOT and transportation policy more broadly.

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described above; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above, with at least one year of the experience described in the first bullet.

Preferred Skills

Preference given to those with experience in journalism, public affairs, and/or communications, knowledge of New York City’s political structure. Strong writing, editing, communication, and interpersonal skills are needed.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. Discuss residency applicability with the agency representative at the time of interview.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment based on legally protected status or protected characteristics, including sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

Salary: $62,868.00 – $97,593.00

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Government Administration