Commonwealth of PA Hiring for Press Secretary (Department of Education) at Dauphin County, PA Full Time

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) has an immediate need to fill a Press Secretary vacancy in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. We are looking for a professional in public relations to direct media relations and serve as the primary spokesperson for PDE. We are interested in talking to experienced professionals in the field of public relations who have served as a public spokesperson. If you have this kind of training and experience, apply today!

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

In this job, you are responsible for directing media relations and serving as the primary spokesperson for a fast-paced and very visible public agency. Work involves speaking publicly on behalf of the agency; receiving and responding to inquiries from news media; assisting in the development and implementation of media events, including press conferences, tours, and availabilities; communicating information concerning the programs, services, policies, and accomplishments of the department to the public; and preparing talking points, news releases, speeches, and other forms of communications.

Examples of work include:

• Serves as the primary spokesperson for the department.
• Directs the media relations and related staff in arranging and scheduling interviews between departmental personnel and the news media and in selecting and preparing a variety of informational material to be presented to media outlets.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of talking points, news releases, advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, and memos; television, radio, and film scripts; and brochures, pamphlets, reports, publications, and similar written and graphic public information and promotional material.
• Writes speeches and talking points for the Secretary and other senior officials.
• Analyzes and evaluates the public relations impact of proposed or existing agency programs and policies and provides input to the Communications Director and Secretary in the formulation or modification of programs or policies.
• Performs related work as required.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:
Full-time employment.

Work hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with one hour lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.

Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.

You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Five years of professional experience in the field of public relations, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity and one year serving as a public spokesperson, and a bachelor’s degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a closely related field. or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:
You must be able to perform essential job functions.

This position is not subject to the promotion provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or memorandum of understanding.

How to Apply:
You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application. However, information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short video!Health & WellnessWe offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*Compensation & Financial PlanningWe invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options. Work/Life BalanceWe know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, six weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.* Values and CultureWe believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.Employee PerksSometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.*Eligibility rules apply.