Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00111044	Description Activated On: 5/6/2025 10:40:12 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

As a key member of the department’s Communications Office press team, the Deputy Communications Director 2 supports the Press Secretary and Communications Director in managing media relations, internal communications, and advancing the department’s communications goals. This position ensures timely, accurate, and effective messaging that informs both external audiences and department staff. The Deputy Communications Director 2 must manage multiple projects under tight deadlines, demonstrate initiative, and exercise sound judgment. This position reports directly to the Communications Director.

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Supports the Communications Director and Press Secretary by receiving, monitoring, and tracking media inquiries; gathers and verifies information; drafts responses that align with department priorities and messaging.

Serves as acting Press Secretary in the absence of the Press Secretary or Communications Director, including reviewing and editing media materials and providing strategic counsel.

Develops and coordinates public information campaigns and messaging to promote department programs and administration initiatives; leads planning, coordination, and execution of media events in collaboration with agency partners and statewide stakeholders.

Compiles and distributes daily news clips to department leadership and staff to keep the agency informed of relevant media coverage.

Develops and coordinates internal communications, including drafting and editing internal messages from leadership and producing the department’s monthly internal newsletter.

Supports public outreach efforts by developing, editing, and tracking publications and informational materials; works closely with digital media staff and subject matter experts; promotes department services and programs to the public and stakeholders; assists in planning and coordinating outreach events.

Drafts, edits, and distributes press releases, media advisories, speeches, and talking points for the Secretary of Labor & Industry.

Prepares briefings, memos, and talking points for the Governor’s Office related to labor and industry issues.

Monitors national and state labor and workforce trends and current events to inform strategic communication efforts.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

This position requires independent judgment in developing and delivering public relations and internal communications messaging. The Deputy Communications Director 2 determines the appropriate messaging and tone for routine communications. Complex or high-profile issues with significant policy implications are escalated to the Communications Director or Press Secretary for final review and approval.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Four years of experience preparing public relations materials for distribution across multiple media; and

A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in journalism, communications, public relations, English, or a related field; or

An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Experience in government or public sector communications preferred.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   N/A

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Communicates effectively and professionally in both written and oral formats to diverse audiences.
2.	Interacts professionally with the media, public, stakeholders, and government officials.
3.	Maintains discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive issues and information.
4.	Demonstrates knowledge of state and national media landscapes.
5.	Establishes and maintains effective working relationships across internal teams and external partners.
6.	Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and relevant communications tools.
7.	Manages multiple projects with competing deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
8.	Analyzes complex issues and translates them into clear, accessible messaging.
9.	Plans, coordinates, and executes media events and public-facing events as a core responsibility.
10.	Compiles and distributes daily news clips to department leadership and staff.