Press Secretary - Mayor's Office of Communications

This is a Non-Civil service position
 

The Mayor's Office of Communications seeks a savvy, astute and accomplished Press Secretary who is passionate about Public Service, and highly adept at navigating and cultivating excellent relationships with the news media, and exploiting multiple channels for pro-active and effective engagement with key stakeholder groups.
 
The successful candidate is a highly skilled influencer, orator, and writer who strategically designs, develops, directs, leads, and delivers innovative Communications campaigns, initiatives and programs that compels diverse audiences across multiple communications platforms.  Reporting to the Director of Public Affairs and Executive Leadership Team, the Press Secretary will closely collaborate with Agencies teams and Public Information Officers (PIOs).  
 

Deliverables
Press Strategy:
Strategically drives press coverage surrounding the Mayor's Office initiatives, vision and mission including  garnering media coverage, developing overall press strategy, and pitching and building relationships with reporters.  Leads and directs development and execution of  creative and effective press media strategy.  Plans and implements routine press relations activities. Develops detailed timelines and deadlines for Mayoral initiatives, and concise and robust goals to measure performance for Mayoral projects.   
 
Press Clips:
Compiles local and national news articles daily for the Mayor and staff review; maintains a record of all media stories for the Mayor.
 
Media Inquiries:
Cultivates media relationships locally, regionally and nationally. Pro-actively develops
communications, and pitches media on the Mayor's strategic priorities and evidentiary progress surrounding key initiatives. Fields and responds to media inquiries; crafts responses; serves as an on-the-record spokesperson; and works with assistant press secretary and Mayor's office to prioritize media interview opportunities.
 
Writing and Copyediting:
Drafts, edits, or reviews press releases for dissemination to local and national media stakeholders. Writes and edits speeches, talking points, video scripts, opinion-editorials, and newsletters. Ensures external communications are polished, professional and consistent with the Mayor's message.
 
Social Media:
Assists with optimizing social media channels in collaboration with the Digital Engagement Manager. 
 
Video Messages:
Develops video content in collaboration with Digital Engagement Manager and Digital Content Specialist.
 
Maintains and updates press distribution list. Works closely with the Communications team to determine the best way to frame and communicate the Mayor's work relating to sponsored/introduced legislation, council hearings, constituent meetings etc. Assists with other media relations activities.
 
Develops and coordinates media events with internal and external stakeholders. Conducts media trainings and prepares staff for interviews and press events.  Supports rapid response and reactive strategy relating to legislative actions. Builds and manages relationships with media, and serves as the go-to person; Writes press materials including press releases, op-eds, blog posts, fact sheets, talking points etc.

Skillful in properly framing and managing difficult and/or complex situations and scenarios. 
Effective collaborator, consensus and team builder.  Solutions oriented thought leader.
Strong project management and organizational skills.
Skilled in effectively managing multiple competing and shifting priorities simultaneously.
Experience managing and leading teams including goal setting, and developing and leading team activities. Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
Experience dealing with diverse stakeholders. Excellent communications skills across multiple channels.
Significant experience leading, developing and managing content for different communications and stakeholder group channels. Highly skilled influencer and orator.
Experience working in a fast paced environment.
 
Education
Minimum 3-5 years' experience working in Communications and or Public Affairs with demonstrated success preferably in public sector.
Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Affairs and/or related field.
Understanding of and genuine interest in Civic Government, Communications and Public Affairs.