Press Secretary

Position Summary

The Press Secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the Mayors Office managing all media relations press inquiries and public messaging on behalf of the administration. This role is responsible for crafting and delivering clear strategic and timely communications that reflect the Mayors policies initiatives and priorities. Reporting to the Communications Director or the First Deputy Communications Director the Press Secretary works closely with internal departments external stakeholders and members of the press to ensure transparent and effective communication between the Mayors Office and the public.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the official spokesperson for the Mayors Office responding to media inquiries and providing ontherecord statements to the Director of Communications.
• Develop and execute media strategies to promote the Mayors initiatives policy priorities and public engagements.
• Draft press releases media advisories talking points speeches and official statements.
• Coordinate press conferences interviews and public appearances for the Mayor.
• Prepare and brief the Director of Communications the Mayor and senior officials for media engagements including interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment providing reports and strategic recommendations to the Communications Director.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists media outlets and key stakeholders.
• Oversee rapid response communications and crisis messaging ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director and other City departments to align messaging and media outreach efforts.
• Assist in managing the Mayors social media presence and digital communications in coordination with the broader communications team.

Required Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of media relations press operations and political communications.
• Knowledge of local state and national political landscapes particularly issues impacting Philadelphia.
• Familiarity with crisis communications public affairs and government operations.
• Understanding of digital media trends social media strategy and public engagement techniques.

Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to draft compelling messaging and respond under pressure.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills with experience representing highprofile individuals or organizations.
• Excellent relationshipbuilding skills with media professionals government officials and community leaders.
• Strategic thinking and problemsolving skills particularly in managing crisis communications.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools press management software and digital communication platforms.

Abilities

• Ability to work in a fastpaced environment and manage multiple media inquiries simultaneously.
• Ability to think quickly and provide accurate politically sensitive responses in highpressure situations.
• Ability to craft clear concise and impactful messaging that aligns with the Mayors vision and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to coordinate messaging and outreach.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing news cycles and adjust communication strategies accordingly.

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree in Communications Journalism Political Science Public Relations or a related field.
• Minimum of 57 years of experience in media relations political communications or government affairs for a highprofile official or organization.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter resume and writing sample.

Salary Range: $90000 $115000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation sick leave and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10 to 40 on your educational expenses extending not only to City employees but in some cases spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial wellbeing and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in nonmedical nonemergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that  are patientfacing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race ethnicity color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin ancestry age disability marital status familial status genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations ator send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

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