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Press Secretary

The New York City Council, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking a Press Secretary to join its Communications Division. The New York City Council Press Secretary will help develop, execute, and manage communications and media relations for the Speaker and Council, leading coordination across press staff. They will collaborate and work under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Communications and Deputy Communications Directors, and work closely with staff within the division and across divisions.

SALARY RANGE:

$125,000 to $150,000

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Media Inquiries & Relationship Management

  • Ensure timely and accurate responses to all incoming media requests, coordinating, supporting and tracking replies amongst press staff.
  • Manage engagement with media and responses to press inquiries by ensuring questions are appropriately addressed, relevant issues are clearly understood, applicable Council staff have been consulted for input, pertinent interviews and spokespeople are offered, and reporting is accurate.
  • Serve as primary spokesperson for the Speaker and Council, advancing key messages with the media and ensuring reporters have our perspectives and essential information.
  • Manage rapid response efforts to ensure Council’s voice effectively shapes coverage of breaking news.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with key reporters covering the Council, Speaker, relevant issues, and local and ethnic communities across the city.
  • Support coordination and relationship-building efforts with stakeholders, including internal Council staff and external partners in government and non-governmental organizations.

Planning & Coordinating Press Events and Opportunities

  • Manage and coordinate logistics of Speaker’s press conferences and events, including inviting and preparing participants, developing and distributing messaging/talking points and press materials, conducting media outreach, determining run-of-show, orchestrating event flow, and ensuring completion of key tasks.
  • Write and edit public-facing press materials, including press releases, statements, op-eds, speeches, one-pagers, and talking points.
  • Identify and secure proactive media opportunities for the Speaker and Council Members with local and national outlets, pitching stories, interviews and op-eds.
  • Manage interview preparation and coordination for the Speaker, Council Members, and validators.

Advancing Communications Strategy

  • Serve as one of the Council’s top communications strategists, developing and implementing strategies that advance key priorities to diverse audiences in partnership with various staff and divisions.
  • Lead and support the development of key messaging and communications tactics that amplify the Council’s legislative and policy agenda.
  • Develop and implement communications and public affairs campaigns utilizing various multimedia strategies and tactics.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in communications, media relations, or a related field with a demonstrated increase in scope of work and responsibility.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills, with a consistent attention to detail and ability to persuasively tell a story and synthesize complex information for general audiences.
  • Strong organizational skills, and proven ability to solve problems, multi-task, and manage deadlines in fast-paced and high-pressure situations.
  • Excellent judgment, with strong creative and critical thinking skills.
  • Willingness to work non-traditional hours and be on-call during early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as necessary.
  • Ability to effectively work with a team and independently, and capable of interacting with a diverse range of individuals.
  • Sense of humor and ability to be flexible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

New York City residency is required within 90 days of appointment.

For eligible employees, health, dental and vision insurance coverage are offered upon hire. Retirement plans, deferred compensation plans, group life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, training resources, health & fitness reimbursement and wellness programs are also available.

The New York City Council makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact EEOOfficer@council.nyc.gov.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to:

E-MAIL:         counciljobs@council.nyc.gov   

MAIL:             New York City Council

Attn: Personnel Services/Recruiting (CPRESS)

250 Broadway, 26th Floor

New York, New York 10007

FAX:               12124014711

While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The New York City Council is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.