Press Secretary Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• At least three years of experience in communications, media, marketing/PR, political campaigns, or education policy.
• Reliable access to transportation to travel to and from events within the city of Chicago.
• Deadline- and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to change in a busy press office.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify root causes and obstacles, consider stakeholder reactions, and offer potential communication solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on serving internal and external partners and using AP Style.
• Ability to collaborate with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences on clear, inspiring, and impactful communication initiatives, including media interviews, briefings, statements, and events.
• Ability to meet the Chicago residency requirement: establish residence within Chicago city boundaries within six months of hire and maintain it throughout employment; all CPS employees must be Illinois residents.

Nice To Haves

• Public education communications experience.

Responsibilities

• Ensure detailed media inquiries are shared with the team and receive a timely response, while tracking daily published and broadcast stories against multiple metrics.
• Manage logistics for assigned press events, photo opportunities, and media interviews.
• Coordinate with partners to conceptualize and implement press events, media opportunities, and interviews.
• Develop event run-of-show plans; identify speakers; sequence speaking programs; and organize the development of talking points.
• Identify appropriate locations for public appearances.
• Manage event setup and coordinate with participating senior and school leadership so they understand their roles and have the materials they need.
• Support events to help ensure they run smoothly and on time.
• Manage timely cleanup of event spaces.
• Manage the press team's monthly, weekly, and daily calendar in collaboration with the Executive Director of Media Relations, taking account of school-year milestones, storytelling opportunities, events, and initiatives.
• Take initiative to pitch and propose positive stories to the media.
• Write succinct, compelling press releases and media events and land related stories.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical plan options
• Pharmacy coverage
• Dental coverage
• Vision coverage
• Behavioral health and Employee Assistance Program
• Employee wellness program
• Basic life insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Pension plans
• Supplemental retirement plans (403(b) and 457(b))
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Spot Pet Insurance
• Paid leave
• Sick leave
• Vacation days
• Parental leaves
• Short-term disability
• Religious holidays