Assistant Director of Communications, Media Relations

Next City; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plan

Dental/Vision benefits

Pension / Defined benefit

401(k) with employer contribution

Tuition reimbursement

Free parking

Generous leave package

Training and professional development

Team-oriented environment

Job summary

PSEA in Harrisburg, PA seeks an experienced Assistant Director of Communications to develop and deliver messages that advance the Association’s priorities and support public education. You will serve as a spokesperson and collaborate with leaders, staff, local associations, and the media.

The ideal candidate is a strong writer with media relations, strategic communications, public speaking, and crisis communications skills, with a Bachelor’s degree and at least five years in media relations or

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field is required.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, communications, or education is required.
• A Master’s Degree is preferred, and a valid driver’s license is required.

Responsibilities

• Preparing talking points, news releases, op-eds, editorial board memos, letters to the editor, testimony, speeches, and other communications materials.
• Preparing PSEA officers and staff for TV, radio, print, online media interviews, testimony, and public events.
• Serving as an official PSEA spokesperson with reporters, editorial writers, and other media on behalf of the Association.
• Working with Field Staff to support media inquiries, campaigns, and crisis communications at the regional and local levels.
• Building relationships with reporters and editors and pitching stories that promote PSEA’s priorities and highlight the work of its members.
• Maintaining statewide and regional media lists and coordinating press releases, media advisories, and other media outreach.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Communications

Public speaking

Writing & editing

Crisis communications

Strategic messaging

Education

Bachelor's degree in Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job description

PSEA is seeking an experienced and strategic Assistant Director of Communications in our Harrisburg, PA office. This position serves as a key member of the Communications team, developing and delivering messages that advance PSEA’s priorities and support public education. The Assistant Director works closely with PSEA leaders, staff, local associations, and the media and serves as a spokesperson on issues affecting public education, legislation, elections, labor, and PSEA members.

Duties include:

• Preparing talking points, news releases, op-eds, editorial board memos, letters to the editor, testimony, speeches, and other communications materials.
• Preparing PSEA officers and staff for TV, radio, print, online media interviews, testimony, and public events.
• Serving as an official PSEA spokesperson with reporters, editorial writers, and other media on behalf of the Association.
• Working with Field Staff to support media inquiries, campaigns, and crisis communications at the regional and local levels.
• Building relationships with reporters and editors and pitching stories that promote PSEA’s priorities and highlight the work of its members.
• Maintaining statewide and regional media lists and coordinating press releases, media advisories, and other media outreach.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional writer and editor with strong media relations, strategic communications, public speaking, and message management skills. The position requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively, respond effectively in high-pressure situations, translate complex issues into clear messages, and build effective relationships with media, leaders, members, and staff. A Bachelor’s Degree in Media Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public relations, communications, or education is required. A Master’s Degree is preferred, and a valid driver’s license is required.

PSEA offers diverse benefits to their employees which include:

• Opportunity to work with the largest public-sector union in Pennsylvania.
• Competitive salary
• Excellent Health Care/Prescription drug plan, single, married, or family
• Excellent Dental/Vision benefits, single, married, or family
• Defined benefit pension.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Free parking.
• Generous leave package includes paid vacation, paid sick time, paid holidays, and paid personal leave.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• A team-oriented work environment.

PSEA is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and actively seeks diverse candidates and those with the ability to work with a diverse range of people.