Deputy Press Secretary - Office of Mayor Freddie O’Connell

Full Job Description

This is a non-civil service position.

The Deputy Press Secretary serves as a key member of the Mayor’s Communications team and supports the development and execution of strategic communications to advance the Mayor’s policy agenda and priorities.

This position helps manage daily press operations, crafts messaging, responds to media inquiries, and contributes to proactive storytelling on digital platforms and through earned media.

The Deputy Press Secretary reports to the Deputy Communications Director, Press Secretary and works closely with the Mayor’s Office team, department leadership, communicators, and policy teams to communicate clear, accurate, and easy-to-understand information effectively with Nashvillians and the media.

Mayoral staff (non-civil service) receive 15 days of Paid Time Off and 12 sick days annually.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Alex Apple, Deputy Communications Director and Press Secretary at alex.apple@nashville.gov.alex.apple@nashville.gov

Requirements

Media Relations & Press Operations

• Assist in developing proactive, strategic media relations activities and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain positive, professional working relationships with local, state, and national reporters.
• Assist in drafting press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, speeches, quotations, and briefing materials.
• Work with the Deputy Director of Communications, Press Secretary to research and source relevant information in response to media inquiries.
• Assist in ideating and managing press events, media availabilities, and major announcements.
• Monitor media coverage, provide summaries and rapid response recommendations.

Strategic Communications

• Support the execution of proactive, strategic communications plans and initiatives aligned with the Mayor’s policy priorities.
• Help develop message frameworks for key initiatives, legislation, and community investments.
• Coordinate messaging across Metro departments to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Assist in real-time response to media inquiries or rapidly developing situations.
• Support Metro Nashville’s Emergency Operations Center communications team during activations.

Content & Messaging Development

• Contribute to digital communications, including producing, shooting or editing digital content and providing captions support.
• Ensure messaging reflects the mayor’s voice, values, and tone.
• Coordinate with community partners and external stakeholders on announcement rollouts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in communications, media relations, journalism, or public affairs.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to simplify complex policy issues.
• Experience working in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments where .
• Strong media judgment and understanding of news cycles.
• Strong knowledge of digital media strategies.
• Strong understanding of brand guidelines and compliance.
• Strong writing and storytelling skills for visual media.
• Attention to detail with a commitment to quality and accuracy.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Additional Information

• Experience in government, political campaigns, or public sector communications.
• Familiarity with municipal government operations.
• Crisis communications experience.
• Strong digital storytelling and content creation skills, including video production and editing.
• Ability to communicate in multiple languages.
• Experience with multi-format cameras and editing software (Canva and CapCut preferred, Adobe Premiere, Movavi, Final Cut Pro, etc.).

We are an equal opportunity employer. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. Metro Nashville is committed to selecting the most qualified candidate for each of our roles.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.


Requests for ADA or other protected accommodations for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.