Senior Press Secretary & Media Relations Lead

New York City Department of Transportation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) seeks an experienced press secretary to lead the day-to-day operations of the agency's Press Office and serve as a senior spokesperson for the department.

Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations, the successful candidate will craft strategic messaging, coordinate with agency leadership, and develop proactive earned-media strategies to inform New Yorkers about safety, mobility, and the department's work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or a closely related field including 18 months in an administrative, consultative, managerial or executive capacity.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operations of the NYC DOT Press Office, guiding a high-volume media relations operation.
• Serve as a primary agency spokesperson and maintain strong relationships with reporters, editors, producers, and other media members.
• Develop and execute proactive earned-media strategies highlighting the agency's work, safety information, and impact on New Yorkers.
• Draft and edit press releases, statements, talking points, speeches, media advisories, op-eds, briefing materials, and other communications.
• Plan and execute press events and photo-ops.
• Prepare agency leaders and subject-matter experts for interviews, press conferences, and other public engagements.
• Supervise and mentor Press Office staff, assign work, maintain high standards, monitor the news cycle, and ensure outcomes.
• Coordinate with NYC DOT Communications and other agency units.
• Collaborate with counterparts at sister agencies and City Hall.
• Contemplate reputational risks and address them with effective media communication.

Skills

Press relations

Government communications

Management experience

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) seeks an experienced press secretary to lead the day-to-day operations of the agency's Press Office and serve as a senior spokesperson for the department.

Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner for Media Relations, the successful candidate will craft strategic messaging, coordinate with agency leadership, and develop proactive earned-media strategies to inform New Yorkers about safety, mobility, and the department's work.