Press Secretary

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City's evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 9,000 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

The Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking an experienced communications officer and speechwriter to join its high-volume press operation and be part of the department's communications team. The Office of Public Information plays a key role in articulating DOC's overall reform policy agenda and media strategy, including supporting all units on internal and external communications and managing interactions with the media. The office also responds to journalists' requests for information, disseminates news about major initiatives, and communicates with the public through traditional and digital media.

This is a fast-paced, demanding post that requires strategic planning, flexible work hours and the ability to work with a sense of urgency to meet the non-stop demands of a 24-hour news cycle. This is an ideal opportunity for an accomplished, detail-oriented self-starter who can work quickly and write well under time constraints, think both tactically and strategically, and handle a myriad of challenging responsibilities on a wide range of media-relations areas.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Public Information the incumbent will be part of a team who will help manage the following:

• Manage a dedicated team of Press Officers.

• Manage daily press inquiries, pitch positive news stories, write press materials, prepare public statements, and assist with planning press events and managing responses on tight deadline while working closely with staff throughout the department to ensure accuracy.

• Actively pitch positive news stories to reporters from local and citywide publications and websites.

• Compose press releases, advisories, speeches, talking points, related presentations, and information; maintain and expand an extensive list of media contacts, build relationships with reporters and media outlets to ensure accurate coverage of DOC initiatives.

• Help to plan and manage frequent events for staff and stakeholders.

• Participate in on-call weekly rotation on nights and weekends responding to press inquiries.

• Advise senior leadership on pressing media inquires; help prepare the Commissioner and staff for any media interviews.

• Liaise with City Hall press team on all media inquires; ability to clearly articulate complex and sensitive information.

• Assist the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information with strategizing proactive and reactive media approaches.

• Support writing and editing content for in-house communication tools including websites, social media platforms, publications, and newsletters; performing other related functions and duties as required.

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

• Possess extensive experience as a journalist or as a communications specialist in handling calls from the press.

• Knowledge of NYC government and the criminal justice system a plus.

• Ability to work late nights, weekends/holidays on call.

• Capable of expanding relationships with members of the media.

• Ability to foster positive relationships with staff at all levels of the agency and retirees.

• Be a self-directed individual with the proven ability to take initiative as a problem solver.

• Be capable of multi-tasking and handling high-stress crisis communications situations.

• Possess the ability to operate in a high-volume, deadline driven environment.

• Understand and communicate information about sensitive criminal justice issues.

55a Program

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.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is not required

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.