Press Secretary

THE POSITION

The Shapiro Administration is working to deliver results for Pennsylvanians, and agency communications teams play a crucial role in helping to promote exciting initiatives across the Commonwealth and effectively communicating the work of the Administration. Whether it's planning communications around improving the permitting process for nurses or highlighting historic tax breaks for older Pennsylvanians in the Governor's budget, the Shapiro Administration agency communications teams are focused on reaching Pennsylvanians where they are and helping to make government a force for good every day.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

As a Press Secretary, you will have the exciting opportunity to represent the agency as the official spokesperson for the Department of Education. Specific responsibilities include tracking and responding to media inquiries from news media, assisting in planning press conferences and other media events, assisting the agency communications director with promoting the work of the department, and writing speeches and other talking points for the Secretary and top agency officials. Excellent interpersonal and networking skills are imperative within this role in order to e stablish and maintain effective working relationships with reporters. This position reports to both the agency Communications Director and the Governor's Office of Communications.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description .

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary:In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  
  

Required Experience, Training & Eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of professional experience in the field of public relations, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity and one year serving as a public spokesperson, and a bachelor’s degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.
  
  

Additional Requirements:

• You must have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• You must have familiarity with the issues, people, and media landscape within Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• You must have knowledge of governmental organization and administration.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the media and other stakeholders.
• Ability to speak before large groups.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with senior government officials and Department of Education staff.
• Familiarity with Associated Press writing style.
  
  

Legal Requirements:

• A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
  
  

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date . Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
  
  

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S.
• 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans’ Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov .
  
  

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
  
  

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.