ASSOCIATE PRESS SECRETARY

APPLICANTS MUST BE PERMANENT IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST CIVIL SERVICE TITLE, BE PERMANENT IN A COMPARABLE TITLE ELIGIBLE FOR 6.1.9 TITLE CHANGE. OR BE IMMEDIATELY REACHABLE ON EXAM NO. 60816.

The Office of Press Relations and Press Communications initiative, develops, directs and administers press communications, media relations and information activities for the Department of Social Services, the Human Resources Administration, and the Department of Homeless Services (DSS-HRA-DHS).

The Office of Press Relations and Press Communications initiative, develops, directs and administers

press communications, media relations and information activities for the Department of Social Services,

the Human Resources Administration, and the Department of Homeless Services (DSS-HRA-DHS).

The Office for Press Relations and Press Communications is recruiting for one (1) Associate Public

Information Specialist NM level II to function as an Associate Press Secretary, who will:

• Manage rapid response communication tasks and ensures information that is disseminated to the
  
  

public is accurate and aligned with Agency and Administration goals and objectives, including

interfacing with media contacts such as editors, reporters, interviewers, researchers, etc. for

television, radio, newspapers and magazines, and responding to their inquiries within requested or

negotiated deadlines.

• Draft media advisories, press releases and other communications products by gathering and
  
  

analyzing policy information and current data from relevant agency experts. This includes

implementing edits and revisions throughout the drafting process and obtaining appropriate reviews

and approvals.

• Communicate with the Mayor’s press office and press staff members across City agencies.
• Plan and staff press events, including collaboration with external partners, City Agencies, and
  
  

the Mayor’s Office, development of event or initiative messaging, coordination with Agency staff

and execution of a successful New York City local reporter pitch strategy.

• Research and update media lists, manages media database and distribute DHS press releases.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• A master's degree in journalism or public relations from an accredited college; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and one year of full-time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism or advertising; or
• An associate degree or completion of 60 credits from an accredited college and two years of full-time satisfactory experience in public relations, journalism or advertising; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1", "2" or "3" above. However, all candidates must have at least 60 credits from an accredited college.
  
  

For Assignment Level II

To be eligible for placement in Assignment Level II, individuals must have, after meeting the minimum requirements described above for Assignment Level I, at least one additional year of the full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or advertising.

Preferred Skills

• Experience in politics and/or government - Experience interfacing with media and/or journalists and media literacy - Writing/ composition and editing skills proficiency in grammar - Familiarity with Microsoft products, such as Word, Outlook etc - General knowledge of New York City (geography, politics, etc) - Familiarity with the profession and the materials of communications (press releases, remarks, op-eds, advisories, event briefings, etc) - Research skills - Attention to detail - Ability to review, analyze, summarize, and visualize data - Experience working with reporters, including responding to inquiries (existing relationships in media a plus, including but not limited to: with editors, reporters, interviewers, researchers, etc. for television, radio, newspapers and magazines, and more) - Experience developing/drafting strategic media and communications plans - Interest in research, messaging, and promoting/explaining policy - Experience coordinating across organizations/ working collaboratively on complex projects with a range of stakeholders - Quantitative skills preferred
  
  

55a Program

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, 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. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss 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 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.