The salary for this position will be $90,000.

The Deputy Press Secretary is an important role in The New York City Housing Authority’s (NYCHA) Department of Communications (DOC). DOC is responsible for developing and broadcasting information about NYCHA to numerous audiences, including: the 600,000 public housing and Section 8 residents who call NYCHA home; NYCHA’S 11,000 employees; City, State and National partners; as well as the general public. Department staff create strategic campaigns to promote Authority initiatives, reinforce NYCHA’s mission and actively engage both residents and the general public. The Department is deadline driven and deals with highly confidential information.

The Deputy Press Secretary is responsible for media outreach and response on behalf of NYCHA. This includes identifying positive press opportunities and developing strategic communications plans in partnership with other departments and DOC team members. Additionally, the Deputy Press Secretary creates and executes responses to incoming press inquiries. The Deputy Press Secretary must be able to operate in a fast-paced environment, with a high level of professionalism, often under short deadlines and in high-pressure situations. A strong interest in public housing and government service as well as the ability to both work independently and as part of a fast-moving team is required. The ideal candidate will be a strong writer with an understanding of traditional and social media, have a background in public relations or journalism and possess a high energy, positive, “can do” attitude.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Assist with timely and accurate communication of public information about NYCHA programs, projects, events, initiatives and issues to the media and the public.
- Serve as liaison and spokesperson with the news media. Including serving “on-call” regularly, during occasional weekends and NYCHA emergency operations.
- Monitor and track news media daily.
- Write and edit media advisories, press releases, statements, letters to the editor, articles for print and web-based publications, speeches, marketing materials, etc. Handle crisis
communications.
- Prepare draft correspondence, memos and briefing materials for executive staff.
- Prepare agency officials for interviews and public speaking opportunities.
- Develop and implement strategic messaging and events to ensure placement of positive news stories highlighting agency achievements and initiatives. Research, develop and pitch positive
stories about agency initiatives to local, community, ethic and national media outlets.
- Plan and coordinate events, including press conferences, groundbreakings and resident programs.
- Interact on NYCHA’s behalf with other government agencies and elected officials.
- Handle special projects.

NOTES:
1. NYCHA employees applying for promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if
applicable).
2. NYCHA residents encouraged to apply.

NOTE: IF THIS APPOINTMENT IS MADE ON A PROVISIONAL BASIS PURSUANT TO 65 OF THE NYS CIVIL SERVICE LAW, NO TENURE OR PERMANENCE ACCRUES TO AN INCUMBENT IN THIS POSITION BY VIRTUE OF SUCH APPOINTMENT.

NOTE: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate in your cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position under the 55-a Program. For detailed information regarding the 55-a Program, click on the link below:
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/psb/100_1.pdf

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the qualification requirements before applying to this position.

1. A baccalaureate degree issued upon completion of a course of study registered by the University of the State of New York and seven (7) years experience in an executive or administrative capacity in a large community agency having or supervising at least 25 professional employees; or
2. A master's degree or 30 graduate credits in group work, community organization, recreation, physical education and six (6) years experience of the type described in (1) above; or
3. A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience.

- 10 + years of full-time paid experience in communications, public relations or journalism with a focus on government, public policy or advocacy - 2 years Graduate study in the above-mentioned related fields and two years + years of supervisory experience preferred

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

NYCHA has no residency requirements.

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.