Press Secretary

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) is seeking an experienced, energetic, and strategic communications professional to serve as Press Secretary.

Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations and working closely with the Chief Communications Officer and agency leadership, the Press Secretary serves as a senior spokesperson for the department and leads the day-to-day operations of the agency’s Press Office.

The Press Secretary will help tell the story of the nation’s largest and most complex municipal transportation agency, communicating information about the department’s efforts to deliver on its mission to provide for the safe, equitable, and sustainable movement of people and goods and to create public spaces that strengthen communities.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and communicator with a keen strategic mind, strong news judgment, a deep knowledge of New York City’s media landscape, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. They should be a collaborative manager who can effectively develop their staff, meet simultaneous high-pressure demands, anticipate risks and opportunities, and bring a creative spark to the way the department communicates with the people it serves.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the NYC DOT Press Office, guiding a high-volume media relations operation.
• Serve as a primary agency spokesperson and maintain strong, professional relationships with reporters, editors, producers, digital creators, and other members of the media.
• Develop and execute proactive earned-media strategies that showcase the agency’s work, employees, initiatives, critical safety information, and overall impact on New Yorkers daily lives.
• Draft and edit press releases, statements, talking points, speeches, media advisories, op-eds, briefing materials, and other communications.
• Plan and execute press events and photo-ops.
• Prepare agency leaders and subject-matter experts for interviews, press conferences, and other public engagements.
• Supervise and mentor members of the Press Office, including assigning work, setting and maintaining high standards, monitoring the news cycle, and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Coordinate closely with other units in the NYC DOT Communications team and units across the agency.
• Collaborate with counterparts at sister agencies and City Hall.
• Contemplate reputational risks and challenges and how to meet them with effective communication with the media.

Minimum Qualifications

Qualification Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or a closely related field including 18 months in an administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must possess the 18 months of administrative, consultative, managerial or executive experience as described in "1" above.

Preferred Skills

Experience working in press, government, firm, nonprofit, or media organizations is strongly desired. Outstanding written/verbal communication skills as well as management experience is needed.

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.