NYCHA’s Department of Communications (DOC) produces and disseminates information to approximately 339,000 public housing residents, 29,000 residents of PACT/RAD developments, 92,000 families participating in federal rent subsidies (the Section 8 Leased Housing Program), more than 12,500 staff members, and thousands of additional stakeholders regarding the Authority’s policies, programs and services.

DOC provides strategic guidance, messaging, direction and management for all communications platforms and productions, and promotes NYCHA’s brand and identity to multiple audiences.

The Press Secretary works with multiple internal and external partners to ensure accurate and timely public messaging on relevant issues. This role is responsible for long-term and day-to-day media strategy, as well as proactive media planning and responses for all press inquiries and stories about, and on behalf of NYCHA.

The Press Secretary develops messaging on all NYCHA issues, produces media opportunities and develops effective and impactful responses to incoming press inquiries. The individual in
this role also serves a leader for crisis communications.

The Press Secretary is dedicated and responsible, with demonstrated experience as a media professional and spokesperson for high profile issues in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Commitment to government service and experience working in media and communications is a must, with a focus in public policy or advocacy preferred.

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

- Develop media strategy and deliver timely, accurate and impactful responses to incoming press inquiries.
- Work with multiple internal and external partners to coordinate proactive and reactive media strategy and planning.
- Serve as liaison and spokesperson with the news media.
- Maintain current, relevant and accurate media contacts and lists, as well as media coverage digests.
- Serve “on-call” regularly, during weekends and NYCHA emergency operations.
- Monitor and track news media daily.
- Prepare end of day, weekly and monthly media reports.
- Create media and communications plans for NYCHA departments and citywide initiatives.
- Write and edit media advisories, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, media pitches, speeches, and articles for print and web-based publications.
- Manage media strategy and planning for crisis communications.
- Prepare talking points and briefing materials on all NYCHA issues.
- Prepare agency officials for interviews and public speaking opportunities.
- Develop media plans 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.
- Produce all aspects of media interviews including identifying stories and participants, working with reporters, coordinating schedules, scouting and securing locations, drafting talking points and other prep materials, executing media training and executing all on-site and follow-up activities.
- Plan and coordinate media events and press conferences from inception to implementation.
- Interact on NYCHA’s behalf with other government agencies and elected officials.

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, please visit the link below:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/psb/100_1.pdf

Additional Information

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 are encouraged to apply.

Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum 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 (2) + 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.