Deputy Press Secretary

Full Job Description

The Governor’s Office of Communications is looking for an efficient, hardworking, highly motivated public servant to join its team as a Deputy Press Secretary.

This position will support a wide range of work within the Governor’s Office of Communications, helping Governor Shapiro and the Shapiro Administration communicate effectively on important policy priorities, in response to crises, and throughout the process of governing.

The Governor’s Office of Communications responds to breaking news and important public developments, regardless of the time of day. Applicants for this position should be aware that they may be asked to work on evenings and weekends, as necessary.

Requirements

As Deputy Press Secretary, you will be working with members of the press to respond thoughtfully to inquiries, pitch compelling stories about the Administration’s work, and organize effective earned media events.

Work involves organizing and staffing events, ensuring all aspects of press events effectively communicate our message.

Staffing events often require travel outside Harrisburg, with occasional overnight travel required within the Commonwealth.

You will be responsible for writing press releases, talking points, media advisories, remarks, and other external communications products as needed.

You will also have the opportunity to work closely with other members of the Governor’s Office and Commonwealth agency staff to respond to media inquiries, prepare briefing materials and memos, ensure coordination, promote the Administration’s priorities, organize events, and communicate the main messages of the Shapiro Administration.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Serving as the liaison between agency communications teams and the Governor’s Office of Communications
• Helping the Governor’s Office of Communications develop strategic communications plans, respond to crises, and promote the Shapiro Administration’s agenda
• Working with other members of the Governor’s Office of Communications to monitor press coverage and online conversations
• Ensuring timely distribution of press materials
• Keeping all organizational materials up to date

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. Given the always-on nature of the role, work outside of standard hours and on weekends is expected.
• Travel is required. Selected candidate may be required to staff the Governor in areas across the state and will need to be able to operate an agency pool vehicle and/or rental vehicle.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to two days per week.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• 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.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Graduated with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, government, English, public policy, political science, journalism, or a similar major or degree program; and four years of demonstrated experience in American government or public relations, particularly in press or communications role; or
• Any equivalent experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must have a valid driver's license.
• You must have the ability to work well in a fast-paced and highly collaborative team environment.
• You must be enthusiastic and self-motivated with a desire to learn new tools and technologies.
• You must be familiar with drafting effective communications materials.
• You must have experience working with members of the press to communicate successfully with the general public.
• You must have experience prepping and staffing high-level principals for interviews, events, and other high-pressure situations.
• You must have experience working well within large, complex teams.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirement:

• You must pass a background investigation.

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a resume.
• 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.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.




Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.




Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).




If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.




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.