Press Assistant (Temp)

About the Agency:

The New York City Department of Housing Preservation Development (HPD) promotes quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.

· We maintain building and resident safety and health

· We create opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability

· We engage New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

Your Team

The Division of Communications oversees all public relations for the agency and is responsible for crafting a proactive strategy to promote agency initiatives, programs, and accomplishments to the media, our partners, our staff, and the public. The division manages interactions with the press, social media channels, the agency’s website, internal communications, and digital and print materials.

Your Role

The Press Assistant will support HPD’s press office in managing day-to-day media operations, press tracking, press materials, and press event logistics. Reporting to the Press Secretary and working closely with the Deputy Press Secretaries and Communications team, the Press Assistant will help ensure that reporter inquiries, media coverage, press lists, event materials, and press office records are organized, accurate, and up to date.

Your Responsibilities

· Compile daily press clips and assist with preparing materials for meetings, press events, and public announcements.

· Monitor news coverage related to HPD, its leadership, programs, major initiatives, and relevant policy issues.

· Maintain and update press lists, reporter contact information, distribution lists, and press tracking documents.

· Conduct background research on prior coverage, relevant public issues, reporters, outlets, and agency announcements.

· Attend meetings and press events to take notes and share follow-up items with the press office team.

· Assist with drafting, proofreading, formatting, and preparing press releases, talking points, and other briefing materials for distribution.

· Support the Press Secretary and Deputy Press Secretaries with daily press office operations, time-sensitive assignments, and special projects, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Strong writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
• Ability to prepare press clips, track media coverage, and maintain media lists.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments, deadlines, and requests simultaneously.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in a government press office, political campaign, advocacy organization, or related environment.
• Familiarity with New York City media, local government, or public-sector communications.
• Experience drafting or proofreading press releases, media advisories, statements, or similar materials.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, a sense of humor, and political awareness.
• An interest in city government or affordable housing.

Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position. The NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development does not provide sponsorship for international employees for visa applications, extensions, or status changes, including H-1B visas. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that they meet all qualifying requirements for this position at the time of application.

How to Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter to OperationsHR@hpd.nyc.gov with the subject line Temp Press Assistant. Please also submit 1 or 2 writing samples that exemplify your ability to convey complex issues in simple, compelling terms for a general audience. This could be in the form of an op-ed, speech, article, talking points, Q&A prep doc, social media copy, or other.

Schedule: This is a full-time position. The Press Assistant may occasionally be required to work early mornings, evenings, or certain weekends to support press clips, press events, public announcements, and other time-sensitive press office needs.

Pay: $32.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $32.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $32