Job Description

Position Summary

The Press Secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, managing all media relations, press inquiries, and public messaging on behalf of the administration. This role is responsible for crafting and delivering clear, strategic, and timely communications that reflect the Mayor’s policies, initiatives, and priorities. Reporting to the Communications Director or the First Deputy Communications Director, the Press Secretary works closely with internal departments, external stakeholders, and members of the press to ensure transparent and effective communication between the Mayor’s Office and the public.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the official spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, responding to media inquiries and providing on-the-record statements to the Director of Communications.
• Develop and execute media strategies to promote the Mayor’s initiatives, policy priorities, and public engagements.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, speeches, and official statements.
• Coordinate press conferences, interviews, and public appearances for the Mayor.
• Prepare and brief the Director of Communications, the Mayor and senior officials for media engagements, including interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing reports and strategic recommendations to the Communications Director.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee rapid response communications and crisis messaging, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director and other City departments to align messaging and media outreach efforts.
• Assist in managing the Mayor’s social media presence and digital communications in coordination with the broader communications team.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

** Knowledge**

• Strong understanding of media relations, press operations, and political communications.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national political landscapes, particularly issues impacting Philadelphia.
• Familiarity with crisis communications, public affairs, and government operations.
• Understanding of digital media trends, social media strategy, and public engagement techniques.

** Skills**

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to draft compelling messaging and respond under pressure.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with experience representing high-profile individuals or organizations.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with media professionals, government officials, and community leaders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing crisis communications.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools, press management software, and digital communication platforms.

** Abilities**

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple media inquiries simultaneously.
• Ability to think quickly and provide accurate, politically sensitive responses in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful messaging that aligns with the Mayor’s vision and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to coordinate messaging and outreach.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing news cycles and adjust communication strategies accordingly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, political communications, or government affairs for a high-profile official or organization.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation : City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

_ *The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire_

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx