Associate Press Secretary - 26920

Position Summary

The Associate Press Secretary is responsible for daily media relations for New York City Public Schools (NYCPS). The Associate Press Secretary also maintains daily contact with members of the news media both in responding to fast breaking news stories and in presenting newsworthy items for coverage in a manner that accurately reflects the policies and educational philosophy of NYCPS. The Associate Press Secretary also prepares major press releases on behalf of the school system and the Chancellor and Deputy Chancellors as well as completing a variety of writing and research assignments in a high pressure, deadline driven environment. Performs related work.

Key Relationships

• Local, National and Community News media outlets
• Chancellor's Office and Deputy Chancellors' Office

Responsibilities

• Prepares press releases and answers to press inquiries concerning NYCPS and its offices.
• Handles various short term and long term inquiries from local and national media.
• Develops, writes, edits and/or rewrites written materials to provide information on NYCPS activities/announcements.
• Develops relationships with local, national and community news media outlets and works closely with media staff to address issues relating to NYCPS.
• Develops relationships with columnists, reporters and editors to pitch positive news stories regarding NYCPS.
• Organizes press conferences and sets up interviews with the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellors and members of the Senior Leadership team.
• Serves as a liaison with key staff in the Department including the community school districts to facilitate easy access to information needed to prepare materials for NYCPS and external publications.
• Distributes daily system wide communications including press clippings and Chancellor's public schedule.
• Supports the press secretary and other deputy press secretaries on all media strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two (2) years of experience in community work or community-centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six (6) years of experience in community work or community-centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year of experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Qualifications

• Overall knowledge of the organization and various operations of NYCPS.
• Knowledge of public relations and office management procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both spoken and written.
• Experience in media communications.
• Sophisticated understanding of public relations in a public school environment.

Pay

$82,000 – $90,000 (Internal candidates who are selected for this position and who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)