Assistant Press Secretary

Chicago Public Schools; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 67,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) seeks an Assistant Press Secretary to support internal and external communications and collaborate with one of the District’s most public-facing teams. The role involves coordinating press events, developing talking points, and ensuring stories are effectively conveyed to media and the public.

The position requires a self-starter who can manage multiple tasks and deliver strong storytelling about public education, with opportunities for career growth within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in communications, media, marketing/PR, political campaigns, or education policy.
• Public education communications experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support internal and external communication and collaboration for CPS press team.
• Plan and execute CPS press events involving senior District and school leadership.
• Write succinct and compelling press releases and land related stories.
• Manage the press team’s calendar and coordinate within the Office of Communications.
• Provide ongoing support during events to ensure timeliness and success.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong written communication

Public relations

Multi-tasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

CPS Careers | Search | Apply | Get Hired

Posting Date

Estimated Annual Salary Range

67,000.00 - 89,000.00

Primary Location

Central-42 West Madison Street (Communications Office)

Position Type

Non-Union Position

Overtime Status

Exempt

Final salary offers are dependent upon candidate qualifications.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving more than 300,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience.

The Office of Communications promotes the CPS vision, mission, activities, and priorities for all internal and external communication. In addition, the office supports schools by promoting their work and assisting in crisis situations through a full range of tools, channels, platforms, and strategies designed to engage key internal and external stakeholders.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director Media Relations, the Assistant Press Secretary supports excellent internal and external communication and collaboration for one of the District’s most public-facing teams. This frontline job offers a clear opportunity for career growth, skill development and internal promotion across the Communications department. The Assistant Press Secretary supports the press team’s daily operations, plans, and leads execution of successful CPS press events involving senior District and school leadership, faculty and staff. This position requires a self-starter who can manage multiple tasks, strategize the efficiency of press operations and execute events that deliver clear storytelling about public education, taking into consideration the best visual, televised and livestream opportunities. Special projects will be assigned on a case‑by‑case basis. This is a full‑time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.

Responsibilities

• Ensures detailed media inquiries are shared with the team that a timely response is delivered while also tracking daily published and broadcast stories on a number of metrics
• Manage logistics of a portion of the press events, as well as photo opportunities and media interviews to accomplish the following:
• Coordinate with all partners to conceptualize and implement great press events or media opportunities/interviews
• Develop the run of show for the event, identify speakers (E.g., senior/school leadership and other agency leaders), sequencing out the speaking program and organizing the development of talking points and organizing the development of talking points
• Identify an appropriate location for the respective public appearance
• Manage the setup of the event and coordinate with participating senior/school leadership to ensure they understand their role and responsibilities and have the materials they need to succeed
• Provide support during the event to ensure it runs smoothly and on‑time
• Manage the space clean up in a timely manner
• Manage the press team’s monthly, weekly and daily calendar, considering annual school year milestones, storytelling opportunities, events and initiatives in collaboration with the executive director of media relations and take initiative to pitch and propose positive stories to media
• Write succinct and compelling press releases and media events and land related stories
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

Experience Required

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in communications, media, marketing/PR, political campaigns, or education policy
• Public education communications experience preferred

Other Requirements

• Reliable access to transportation to travel to and from events within the city of Chicago is required
• Occasional early morning, night, and weekend work is required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deadline and detail‑oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously as well as flexibility to adapt to the change common to a busy press office
• Strong problem‑solving skills, able to identify root causes and obstacles behind issues or needs, consider stakeholder reactions, and offer potential communication solutions
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on serving our internal and external partners, and using AP Style
• Collaborates with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to manage clear, inspiring and impactful communication initiatives, including media interviews, briefings, statements, and events

Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice

CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:

• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program

Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow

We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:

• Basic Life Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Pension Plans
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance

Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life

CPS values the well‑being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:

As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:

Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part‑time positions; however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.

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