Deputy Press Secretary, NYC DOHMH (FT, NYC)

Job Title:
Deputy Press Secretary, NYC Dept of Health and Mental Hygiene

Full Time, New York City

Job Description:
The Press Office plays a key role in fulfilling the Health Department’s mission, whether responding to an acute crisis or advancing a new initiative the agency relies on the Press Office to convey vital information to the public. Reporting directly to the Press Secretary and interacting regularly with DOHMH programs and senior agency staff, the Deputy Press Secretary will have wide range of duties requiring independent judgment and action.

As a Deputy Press Secretary, your duties will include:

  • Independently draft, edit and finalize press materials to ensure they are readable, timely and newsworthy. Draft statements and responses to media inquiries based on internal research, obtaining final approval from agency representatives when necessary. Maintain high quality, professional standards for all media responses; ensure responses are in agreement with agency standards for professionalism and accuracy.
  • Act as primary press office liaison for designated agency programs: represent Press office and Bureau of Public Affairs in a professional, collaborative way; set and deliver upon mutually agreeable expectations for projects, manage on-going communications projects with/for primary bureaus and programs.
  • Work actively with programs to plan press strategy. Work closely with Press Secretary to develop, coordinate and track proactive media strategies for agency initiatives and programs, and announcements of major public health campaigns. Focus efforts on designated key agency priorities.
  • Develop creative pitches for media outlets. Disseminate pitches, follow up and track coverage. Pitch long-lead publication on key initiatives.
  • Contribute to planning of press activities including: high profile interviews, press conferences and events. Attend and represent department/Press Office at press/public events which may include preparing talking points, prepping speakers and arranging press logistics.
  • Prepare spokespeople and independently oversee interviews with local, regional and major national media outlets to ensure accuracy of information and delivery of key messages as well as appropriate agency tone. Participate in media training and constructive critique of agency spokespersons.
  • Target press outreach to specific audiences. Contribute to the creation and updating of issue specific targeted media lists to ensure reach to target audiences.
  • Represent the agency in dealings with City Hall and other agencies, organizations, elected officials regarding press strategy and public outreach; coordinating messaging, releases and events.
  • Manage media inquiries; work after hours, weekends and during emergencies as needed. Participate in agency Press Office on-call rotation.

Preferred Skills

  • Excellent judgment, editing, writing and interpersonal skills
  • Must work well independently and as a team member
  • Ability to handle multiple deadline assignments in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment
  • Proficiency in other languages (especially Spanish or Chinese) a plus

Minimum Qual Requirements

  1. A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, journalism or public relations, plus five (5) years of full-time paid experience in public relations, journalism or advertising, including two (2) years in an administrative, supervisory or consultative capacity; or
  2. A combination of education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” above. Graduate study in English, journalism, or public relations may be substituted for up to one year of required experience.
    However, all candidates must have at least two (2) years of administrative, supervisory, or consultative experience in public relations, journalism or advertising.

Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an Equal Opportunity Employer Employer

Contact: nyc.gov/careers

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