Press Secretary

Job Description

The Press Secretary will oversee the daily operations of a busy, three-person press office. The Press Secretary will assist in-developing all public statements, press releases, and events involving the Department. The selected candidate will be responsible for managing relationships with reporters, editors, and editorial boards, as well as representatives from other agencies, City Hall and industry members. Specifically, the Press Secretary will: - Work closely with Chief Communications Officer to create and implement innovative and proactive strategies for outreach, education, and communication to the public. - Ensure all public communications adhere to the Department's Strategic Plan and the message, mission, and vision of the Department. - Supervise the press office to ensure consistent, timely, accurate, and appropriately contextualized information to media and internal outlets. - Regularly update the Buildings Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs, and Chief Communications Officer on press issues and inquiries. - Apprise senior management of potential communications issues and provide recommendations for action. - Prepare senior management for interviews, as needed. - Actively pitch positive news stories. - Compose op-eds, press releases, advisories, talking points, remarks, emergency incident debriefs, newsletters and other agency writing assignments. - Be ready on-call on nights and weekends to respond to urgent press inquiries and press matters. - Working on special projects and initiatives, as needed. REMOTE WORK This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program. To Apply: Visit Jobs NYC (cityjobs.nyc.gov) to view and apply for available positions. Search by agency (Department of Buildings), keywords, or for the specific Job ID #. NOTE: ONLY THOSE CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE CONTACTED.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of satisfactory, full-time experience related to the projects and policies to be studied in the particular position.

Preferred Skills

- Five years of relevant work experience - Public speaking - Exceptional writing and editing skills across formats: press, digital, long-form, speeches, testimony, and op-eds - Proven experience managing media relations and press events - Knowledge and interest in the New York City media landscape - Interest in city government, real estate, housing, or construction industries - Collaborative working style, strong multitasking ability, and comfort operating under tight deadlines - Spanish proficiency a plus