COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER/PRESS SECRETARY POSITION

DEFINITION:

Under  supervision  of a supervisory official  in  a  state department,  institution, or agency, is responsible for  assigned work  programs  of  the  Office  of Public Communications;  does related work as required.

NOTE:  The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• Serve as official spokesperson and media liaison for all media
• Writes, edits, reviews press materials including press kits, press advisories, press releases, statements, talking points, and other relevant materials.
• Coordinates and manages the daily exchange with members of the press, including Latino and Portuguese speaking media
• Develops local media strategy and execution in coordination with Communications Director
• Pitches media coverage and stories
• Leads work involved in the preparation and distribution of news advisories/releases, feature news stories, bulletins, and other informative materials designed to acquaint the media and general public with the functions, aims, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures of the City
• Assists in gathering informative materials concerning the current and proposed programs/initiatives of the City and the turns material into compelling news stories
• Reviews, evaluates, and writes speeches, op-ed articles, newspaper and magazine articles on all issues relevant to Newark municipal government.
• Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the unit and makes full reports of the thinking and conclusions of the Office
• Maintains  liaison with the press and public to determine reaction to municipal policies by coordinating and managing the daily exchange with local media and journalists
• Manages press conferences and media outlets at press events
• Reviews and approves various media requests for department and other senior members of the Administration
• Prepare briefing documents for Mayor’s interviews, staff Mayor, and provides press advance as needed; prep directors for interviews when applicable
• Perform other duties as assigned

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in media relations, communications, or a related field demonstrating an increasing scope of work and responsibility.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills. Being a strong writer, who can tell a story clearly and concisely is a must, as is attention to detail and a clear ability to synthesize complex information for general audiences.
• Prior experience simultaneously managing multiple projects and competing priorities in an effective way.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced environment, often under short and shifting deadlines and in high-pressure situations.
• Willingness to work non-traditional hours. Team members will be required to be on-call nights, early mornings, weekends, and on holidays, as necessary.
• Prior New Jersey/New York region press experience and/or prior government, legislative, and/or public affairs communications experience is strongly preferred.
• Ability to effectively work with a team and independently, and capable of interacting with a broad range of individuals.
• Proficiency in the English language.
• Written and verbal fluency in at least one non-English language highly desired, but not required.
• Creative thinker and ability to be flexible.

EDUCATION:

Successful completion of an Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college, vocational school, or military school.

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Please send resumes to : rosac@ci.newark.nj.us