Senior Transportation Press Secretary

City of New York; New York (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

City of New York’s NYC DOT seeks an experienced Press Secretary to lead the Press Office and serve as a senior spokesperson. You will guide media relations, craft communications, and coordinate with agency leadership on public messaging.

The role emphasizes strategic storytelling about the department’s mission to move people and goods safely and equitably while building community spaces. Residency and federal loan forgiveness programs are noted as options.

Qualifications

• A baccalaureate 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; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to the above.

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, professional relationships with reporters, editors, producers, digital creators, and other members of the media.
• Develop and execute proactive earned-media strategies that showcase the agency’s work, employees, initiatives, critical safety information, and overall impact on New Yorkers daily lives.
• 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 members of the Press Office, including assigning work, setting and maintaining high standards, monitoring the news cycle, and ensuring successful outcomes.
• Coordinate closely with other units in the NYC DOT Communications team and units across the agency.
• Collaborate with counterparts at sister agencies and City Hall.
• Contemplate reputational risks and challenges and how to meet them with effective communication with the media.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

City of New York’s NYC DOT seeks an experienced Press Secretary to lead the Press Office and serve as a senior spokesperson. You will guide media relations, craft communications, and coordinate with agency leadership on public messaging.

The role emphasizes strategic storytelling about the department’s mission to move people and goods safely and equitably while building community spaces. Residency and federal loan forgiveness programs are noted as options.