Press Secretary
Press Secretary
The 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 Press Secretary is the authority spokesperson and is responsible for media outreach and response. This includes identifying positive press opportunities and developing strategic communications plans in partnership with other departments and DOC team members. Additionally, the Press Secretary creates and executes responses to incoming press inquiries. The 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.
SPECIAL NOTE: Effective August 16, 2021, all persons newly hired for employment by the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) must provide proof of having received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine prior to beginning their employment, except for those who obtain an exception due to medical or religious reasons through the reasonable accommodation process.
After receiving a conditional offer of employment from NYCHA, an applicant for employment must provide proof of having received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine within a reasonable period of time. Failure by the applicant to provide NYCHA with proof of having received at least one dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine will result in NYCHA revoking the conditional offer, unless the applicant obtains an exception through the reasonable accommodation process.
Any person who begins their employment with NYCHA after providing proof of having received only one dose in a 2-dose series of a COVID-19 vaccine, will also be required to provide NYCHA with proof of receipt of a second dose within 30 days of the first dose. Failure to do so will result in termination.
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
Minimum Qualification Requirements
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of full-time professional experience in intergroup relations, human rights, community relations, labor relations, law, social service, education, housing, research, investigation, personnel administration or public relations, at least one year of which must have been in intergroup relations or human rights involving conflict resolution and mediation of disputes among racial, religious or ethnic groups; or
- High school graduation or evidence of having passed an examination for the high school equivalency diploma or the U.S. Armed Forces GED certificate with a score of at least 35 on each of the five GED certificate with a score of at least 35 on each of the five tests and an overall score of at least 225 in the examination for the diploma or certificate and six years of full-time professional experience in one or more of the fields described above, four years of which must have been in intergroup relations or human rights as described in (1) above; or
- A satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience as described above. However, all candidates must be high school graduates or possess the high school equivalency as described above and possess a combination of college education and intergroup relations and/or human rights experience totaling four years and all candidates must have at least one year of experience in intergroup relations or human rights as described in (1) above.
Preferred Skills
- Strong interest and dedication to protecting public housing.
- Extensive experience in communications, preferably for a government or non-profit organization.
- Background in media relations, pre-existing relationships with NYC media a plus.
- Successful track record of pitching and placing proactive stories.
- Excellent verbal, writing and editing skills; excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated record as both a self-starter and team-player.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with associates and the public.
- Excellent attention to detail, ability to multitask successfully and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Proficiency with social media and an understanding of the role digital tools play in strategic communications.
Interested candidates may submit cover letter and resume to www.nyc.gov/careers/search. Search for JOB ID# 455879.
We thank all applicants for their interest in the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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.