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Press Secretary

  1. DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING
Posted on: 02/18/2026
  1. Full-time

Location

MANHATTAN

  1. No exam required

Department

COMMUNICATIONS & PRESS

$85,000.00 – $100,000.00

Job Description

DISCLAIMER: Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. The NYC Department of City Planning does not offer sponsorship, of any kind, for any type of employment opportunity. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

THE AGENCY:
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the future of New York City, working to create thriving and dynamic neighborhoods with access to housing and jobs, resilient infrastructure, and a vibrant public realm. The Department engages communities to develop inclusive plans, expands housing access and economic opportunity, and plans for long-term sustainability.

DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of hundreds of land use applications. The Department also advises on citywide strategic and capital planning, analyzes data, conducts policy analysis, and creates open data and civic engagement tools.

The Department of City Planning offers staff meaningful opportunities to help shape the future of New York City and address some of its most pressing challenges. The Department values public service, collaboration, and creativity, and supports professional development. Learn more about DCP and view current job openings at www.nyc.gov/planning.

THE DIVISION:
The Communications Division leads all external communications for the agency, including press relations, digital and social media, public announcements, website content, and major publications. The team translates complex land use, housing, and planning policy into clear, accessible, and compelling public narratives, helping build awareness of and enthusiasm for the agency’s work.

THE POSITION:
DCP is looking for a dynamic and creative Press Secretary to serve as the agency’s primary press contact, reporting to the Communications Director. Part of a collaborative, fast-paced Communications team, the Press Secretary is responsible for managing day-to-day operations and longer-term media strategies that advance the agency’s mission and respond effectively to a rapidly evolving news environment. including on evenings and weekends as needed.

The Press Secretary will:
- Serve as the agency’s primary media spokesperson, manage incoming press inquiries and proactively pitch stories to local, regional, and national outlets.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with reporters and editors covering planning, land use, and government.
- Draft press releases, statements, talking points, op-eds, and other written materials, and prepare agency leadership and staff for interviews, panels, and public events.
- Collaborate with policy divisions, senior leadership, and government partners to identify newsworthy moments, flag communications risks, and align messaging.
- Support agency leadership at press events and speaking engagements.
- Collaborate with team members to support an engaging digital and social media presence.

TO APPLY:
Visit cityjobs.nyc.gov and follow the steps below:
1. Search for job ID number: 770512
2. Click on the job business title: Press Secretary
3. Click on “Apply” at the bottom of the posting

Note: All interested candidates must submit their applications via cityjobs.nyc.gov Applications via regular mail, fax or e-mail will not be accepted.

Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. The NYC Department of City Planning does not offer sponsorship, of any kind, for any type of employment opportunity. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all minimum qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. Appointments are subject to Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval.

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.

This position may be eligible for remote work up to 2 days per week, pursuant to the Remote Work Pilot Program agreed to between the City and labor unions.

NOTE: If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation during your visit or have questions regarding the accessibility of our facilities, please reach out to accessibilityinfo@planning.nyc.gov or call 212-720-3508 at least three business days prior to your arrival.

PRINCIPAL PLANNING CONSULTANT - 22136


Minimum Qualifications

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.


Preferred Skills

- Deep knowledge and interest in the local New York City media landscape. - Interest in city government, planning and land use, with an ability to quickly develop subject-matter fluency. - Excellent writing and editing skills with an ability to explain complex policy issues clearly for different audiences. - Sound editorial judgment and comfort operating in a fast-paced environment. - Spanish language proficiency preferred.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness

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/.
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.
Additional Information

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.

Job ID

770512

Posted until

2026-04-18

Title code

22136

Civil service title

PRINCIPAL PLANNING CONSULTANT

Title classification

Non-Competitive-5

Business title

Press Secretary

  1. Experienced (non-manager)

Job level

00

Number of positions

1

Work location

120 Broadway, New York, NY

  1. Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs

Press Secretary

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