What are the responsibilities and job description for the Press Secretary position at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey?
We are seeking a Press Secretary for the Port Authority’s Office of Media Relations. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Media Relations, the Press Secretary will serve as a mid-level senior member of the Media Relations team. This role supports the agency’s efforts to provide timely and accurate responses to members of the media requesting information on the agency’s broad infrastructure programs and facilities, as well as to proactively tell our stories and successes in pursuit of our century-old foundational mission to keep the bistate region moving.
The Press Secretary will be a spokesperson to high-profile media outlets, keen developer of media strategies, and lead organizer of media events such as public rollouts, news conferences or speaking engagements for agency leadership.
Application Requirement: Please submit a cover letter.
Responsibilities:
- The primary responsibilities are focused on strategizing responses to high-profile media inquiries, developing professional relationships with major national media outlets, pitching stories to journalists while also proactively anticipating their requests and needs.
- A successful candidate will be comfortable coordinating with agency staff to best articulate the agency’s position on issues vital to the region’s vast transportation network and economic growth. The work will also include drafting and editing written materials including event briefing documents; public statements such as quotes, releases or advisories; and external-facing copy that could be used as intergovernmental communications messaging, marketing, social media or website content; and monitoring breaking news situations as they pertain to the agency and its facilities or projects.
- Additional responsibilities may include providing guidance and support to department staff on various projects such as messaging strategies, planning and coordination for rollouts; development and review of external-facing materials such as presentations/public reports/website copy/signage copy; securing speaking opportunities for executive leadership and other external communications needs as requested.
- Candidates must be able to work and multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines. While the candidate should be a self-starter, they are part of the larger Media Relations team and must be able to coordinate with other staff members at various levels, including mentoring or supporting junior staff. Candidates may also be asked to assist with administrative team responsibilities when coverage is needed.
- As part of the Media Relations team, you will work in an environment where breaking news events dictate daily priorities. Flexibility is necessary, as on-call, evening and weekend work may be needed. The position is located at 4 World Trade Center in Manhattan.
Requirements:
Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered for this position:
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in communications, journalism or public relations, particularly with experience speaking to reporters on the record.
- Superior written and oral communication skills, including critical thinking, writing and editing.
- Experience articulating complex issues to media on the record.
- Ability to balance multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
- Excellent understanding of the current media landscape and knowledge of U.S. journalism standards and ethics, as well as the political landscape the Port Authority operates within.
- Team player with effective teamwork and communications skills for collaboration within the Media Relations team and with staff at various levels across the agency.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Proven relationships with local or national media.
- Background in communications, government, politics, nonprofits, journalism or public relations.
- Strong interest in transit, infrastructure, transportation and urban planning issues and policies.
- Ability to manage the tactical execution of communications plans while navigating in a complex agency.
- Technical competency using Microsoft programs such as SharePoint, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.
- Working knowledge of AP style.
- Experience in public-facing storytelling, speechwriting, executive communications, and event planning.
- Experience in creative storytelling that is also appealing for platforms outside of mainstream media; can identify and execute on narratives in formats that are appealing for a social-first audience.