JOB TITLE: PRESS SECRETARY

JOB CODE: 05840

DEFINITION: This is professional public relations work directing media relations and serving as the primary spokesperson for a commonwealth agency.

An employee in this job is responsible for directing media relations and serving as the primary spokesperson in an agency Press/Communications Office. 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. Work also involves providing advisory and consultative services to the Communications Director on public relations matters. The employee reports to a higher level Communications Director and work is reviewed for effectiveness of results.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

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.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the principles and methods of managing a media relations program.

Knowledge of all media used in public relations.

Knowledge of writing and editing techniques.

Ability to analyze and evaluate written materials.

Ability to speak effectively in public.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

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.

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An equivalent combination of experience and training.