Press Secretary

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the City by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing our City and to create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.

The Mayor’s Office hopes to continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results.

The Mayor’s Office focuses on the following main initiatives:

• Public Safety
• Clean and Green
• Housing
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)

Position Summary

The Press Secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, managing all media relations, press inquiries, and public messaging on behalf of the administration. This role is responsible for crafting and delivering clear, strategic, and timely communications that reflect the Mayor’s policies, initiatives, and priorities. Reporting to the Communications Director or the First Deputy Communications Director, the Press Secretary works closely with internal departments, external stakeholders, and members of the press to ensure transparent and effective communication between the Mayor’s Office and the public.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the official spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office, responding to media inquiries and providing on-the-record statements to the Director of Communications.
• Develop and execute media strategies to promote the Mayor’s initiatives, policy priorities, and public engagements.
• Draft press releases, media advisories, talking points, speeches, and official statements.
• Coordinate press conferences, interviews, and public appearances for the Mayor.
• Prepare and brief the Director of Communications, the Mayor and senior officials for media engagements, including interviews and public speaking opportunities.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing reports and strategic recommendations to the Communications Director.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key stakeholders.
• Oversee rapid response communications and crisis messaging, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director and other City departments to align messaging and media outreach efforts.
• Assist in managing the Mayor’s social media presence and digital communications in coordination with the broader communications team.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of media relations, press operations, and political communications.
• Knowledge of local, state, and national political landscapes, particularly issues impacting Philadelphia.
• Familiarity with crisis communications, public affairs, and government operations.
• Understanding of digital media trends, social media strategy, and public engagement techniques.

Skills

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to draft compelling messaging and respond under pressure.
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills, with experience representing high-profile individuals or organizations.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with media professionals, government officials, and community leaders.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing crisis communications.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools, press management software, and digital communication platforms.

Abilities

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple media inquiries simultaneously.
• Ability to think quickly and provide accurate, politically sensitive responses in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to craft clear, concise, and impactful messaging that aligns with the Mayor’s vision and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to coordinate messaging and outreach.
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing news cycles and adjust communication strategies accordingly.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, political communications, or government affairs for a high-profile official or organization.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to [email protected].

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx