Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 00215571	Description Activated On: 3/6/2026 10:39:42 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.

Assists the Press Secretary and Communications Director in planning, preparing, and transmitting public health information to the Secretary of Health, executive staff, media, and the public. Plans and coordinates all aspects of media events to highlight Department of Health activities and garner positive media coverage.

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.

- Writes news releases, feature articles, op-eds, speeches, and other promotional and public health educational materials relating to the agency.
- Serves as a point of contact for local, state, and national media. Responds to daily media inquiries, coordinates interviews for subject matter experts, and maintain an updated database of media contacts.
- Prepares and distributes written and visual information, including fact sheets, brochures, displays, exhibits, videos, and manuals for internal and external use.
- Plans and staffs news conferences, town halls, and other public-facing events. This includes managing logistics, preparing briefing materials, and coordinating with other state agencies and external partners.
- Conducts research, compiles information, and provides briefing material to senior staff for media events.
- Translates complex health data and policy into clear, "plain language" narratives for public consumption.
- Writes, reviews, and distributes news advisories and news releases to the media via Meltwater or other provided software for dissemination to appropriate media distribution lists.
- Posts news releases and photos to newsroom section of Department’s website.
- Takes photos and captures video of Department activities to share with media and the public.
- Maintains media clips, photographs, and video files regarding agency activities.
- Handles special projects as directed by the Communications Director or Press Secretary.
- Monitors media, including news and social media, and distributes relevant information to the communications team and senior staff.
- Tracks media requests and ensures timely responses, routed appropriately through chain of command.
- Travels to media events across the state, as necessary.
- Performs related work as required.

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.

- Chooses content for daily news clips email to internal news clips distribution list.
- Selects event photos to include in news releases.
- Determines appropriate content to submit for social media posts.
- Identifies location, participants, and timing for media events.
- Recommends appropriate communications responses for news media inquiries on Department-related topics.
- Identifies opportunities to promote work of the Department.
- Prioritizes assignments to meet daily objectives.

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 in preparing public relations promotion through all media; and a bachelor’s degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and training.

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   Class C Driver's License

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

4.   N/A

5.   N/A

6.   N/A

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

1.	Writes persuasively and accurately under tight deadlines, using Associated Press style.
2.	Assists in administering the release of public information
3.	Drafts news releases and other media-facing documents.
4.	Assists in preparing Department staff for media interviews and events.
5.	Represents the Department at appropriate functions.
6.	Utilizes State-provided laptop both in office and remotely when needed.
7.	Utilizes Microsoft Office products, including Word and Excel.
8.	Effectively communicates both orally and in writing.
9.	Drives to events with department staff, sets up for event, and coordinates media interactions.
10.