First Deputy Press Secretary, Press Office - 26533

About the Role

The First Deputy Press Secretary serves as a chief media point of contact for the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), managing media relations for the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellors, and other members of the Senior Leadership Team. This role is responsible for high-level media engagement, supporting the management of Deputy Press Secretaries and Associate Press Secretaries, and ensuring all materials from the Press Office meet office standards. The First Deputy Press Secretary is second in command in the Press Office and oversees all operations in the absence of the Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations/Press Secretary.

The position manages NYCPS’s relationships with major print, broadcast, and local/community media outlets, ensuring 24/7 availability to respond to media requests, including emergencies such as school closings. The role advises City Hall, the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellors, and Senior Leadership on media inquiries, activities, and strategy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a chief media point of contact for NYCPS, managing media relations for the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellors, and Senior Leadership Team.
• Monitor agency initiatives and accomplishments in collaboration with the Executive Director of Communications and Media Relations.
• Lead press conferences and arrange interviews with the Chancellor, Deputy Chancellors, and School Leadership Team members.
• Advise the Chancellor, City Hall, Senior NYCPS Staff, and School Leadership on media communication strategies.
• Develop expertise across policy issues and prepare materials articulating NYCPS positions for internal and external audiences.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues; collaborate with leadership to develop and execute communication solutions.
• Lead responses to long- and short-term inquiries from national media.
• Review and approve press statements, talking points, releases, and other communications documents.
• Complete writing and research assignments in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment.
• Develop long-term strategic plans around key initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and community media outlets, including columnists, reporters, and editors, to pitch positive news stories.
• Support NYCPS engagement with school communities, advocacy groups, and education stakeholders.
• Prepare briefing documents for the Chancellor’s Office and assist in planning, executing, and managing public meetings, events, and school visits.
• Collaborate with other NYCPS divisions to advance initiatives and priorities.
• Compose and edit press releases, quotes, statements, talking points, and Q&A documents.
• Proactively pitch stories, interviews, and OpEds to targeted media outlets.
• Develop media strategies for handling issues related to NYCPS.
• Onboard new hires regarding media relationships, strategy, and office procedures.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of professional experience in public relations, journalism, advertising, or closely related fields, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory, or consultative capacity; or a satisfactory equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications

• Well-developed understanding of print and online publication logistics.
• In-depth knowledge of NYCPS’s organization and operating components.
• Expertise in publication methods and procedures.
• Sophisticated understanding of public relations.
• Skills in directing media attention and scheduling public events.
• Ability to administer publication operations.
• Managerial experience.

Pay

$130,151 - $133,000 (Internal candidates who currently hold comparable or less senior positions within the DOE will not earn less than their current salary.)