PRESS SECRETARY
Job ID
550366
Business Title
PRESS SECRETARY
Civil Service Title
ANALYST CFB AL 2&3 ONLY
Title Classification
Pending Classification
Job Category
Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs, Policy, Research & Analysis
Career Level
Manager
Work Location
100 Church St., N.Y.
Division/Work Unit
Managerial
# of Positions
1
Title Code No
0660A
Level
03
Proposed Salary Range
$ 80,000.00 - $100,000.00 (Annual)
As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the hiring agency.
Job Description
ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN FINANCE BOARD
The New York City campaign Finance Board is a nonpartisan, independent city agency that enhances the role of New York City residents in elections. We are dedicated to making our local democracy more open, transparent, and equitable. We eliminate barriers to participation by providing access to the information and resources New Yorkers need to vote or run for office and reduce the corrupting influence of money in politics by enhancing the impact of New Yorkers’ small-dollar contributions.
You would be working with a staff and leadership that is mission driven and committed to continuous improvement for the staff and the public.
ABOUT THE UNIT/DEPARTMENT
The Public Affairs division promotes the agency’s key role in equipping all candidates and voters to power a fairer and more open democracy in New York City. We engage New Yorkers, inform them about elections, and boost their civic participation in the democratic process. The Public Relations unit helps city voters learn about elections by developing programs like the citywide Debates and presenting information and stories that earn top notch media coverage.
The CFB seeks a Press Secretary to execute the agency’s media relations efforts and to serve as the CFB’s lead spokesperson. Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, the Press Secretary will secure earned media coverage for the agency and its programs, including the city’s Debate program and the NYC Votes campaign. The ideal candidate will be skilled at building relationships, possess a keen understanding of media and what makes a good story. The Press Secretary will be responsible for, and will supervise PR staff tasked with, significantly expanding the agency’s outreach to community and ethnic media outlets. The ideal candidate will demonstrate sound judgment, sharp political instincts, and connection to the mission and daily work of the CFB. The Press Secretary will be a collaborative, creative member of a mission-driven Public Affairs team that puts communicating helpful information to voters first.
RESPONSIBILITIES
• Manages all aspects of media relations including drafting press releases, talking points, interviews, and press conferences; ensures media coverage of the agency and its programs is fair and accurate
• Develops strong relationships with reporters to secure local, state, and national coverage about the matching funds program and the CFB’s NYC Votes campaign
• Primary on-record spokesperson for the agency responding to all media inquiries
• Will be agency’s point person for the official NYC Debates for mayoral and other citywide offices, developing programming with broadcasters and other partners
• Develops comprehensive knowledge of the campaign finance program and ensures that media coverage of the agency is fair and accurate
• Prepares Board members and senior staff for public appearances and media interviews
• Represents the Board at public meetings, conferences, and other events
Minimum Qual Requirements
- Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, or the equivalent combination of education, experience, or certifications
• A minimum of 3 years professional experience in journalism or public relations at a political, governmental, or non-profit organization
• Demonstrated ability to write compelling, clean copy for press releases, pitches, and opinion pieces, including strong headlines
• Able to think creatively about media relations and how to tell the agency’s stories
• Ensure that materials and messaging align with the CFB’s pro-voter mission, and the core values of purpose, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration established within the Public Affairs division
• Demonstrated relationships with NYC reporters, particularly reporters on the City Hall or politics beats, either in a public relations capacity or as a journalist
• High interest in and keen understanding of NYC politics, voter engagement, and democratic reform issues
Preferred Skills
- Knowledge of campaign finance issues and NYC’s matching funds program
• Experience working as on-record spokesperson
• Experience pitching and placing stories in news publications
• Experience writing remarks and talking points for public events
• Experience with public speaking and presentation
• Experience hiring and managing staff
• Fluency in speaking and writing Spanish
Additional Information
As of August 2, 2021, all new hires must be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religion or disability. If you are offered city employment, this requirement must be met by your date of hire, unless a reasonable accommodation for exemption is received and approved by the hiring agency.
Pursuant to Department of Citywide Administrative Services Commissioner’s Directive No. 2020-20 (concerning the Recruitment of Personnel During the Covid-19 Crisis), New York City residency must be obtained within six months after Emergency Executive Order No.98 is rescinded. If that time has passed, residency must be obtained within 90 days of the start date.
The CFB is an equal opportunity employer firmly committed to diversity. All individuals are encouraged to apply. If you anticipate needing any type of reasonable accommodation to apply for an employment opportunity, please contact access@nyccfb.info or (212) 409-1800.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
To Apply
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED THROUGH NYC JOBS/EMPLOYEE SELF SERVICE (ESS) WEBSITE
• Please apply to the job ID listed above.
• Resume and Cover Letter are required.
• Note that only applicants under consideration will be contacted.
For more information on careers with the NYC Campaign Finance Board visit our website at https://www.nyccfb.info/ to access the full listing of job opportunities and to learn more about our agency.
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.
POSTING DATE
09/08/2022
POST UNTIL
02/05/2023
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.