Press Secretary

Press Secretary

The NYC Campaign Finance Board seeks a Press Secretary to serve as the CFB's lead spokesperson and execute the agency's media relations strategy. Reporting to the Director of Public Relations, the Press Secretary will work closely with reporters to fulfill incoming requests (including through Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, and through the CFB's online Follow the Money and Campaign Finance Summary tools) and shape and secure earned media coverage for the CFB, its voter engagement initiative NYC Votes, and signature programs including the matching funds program and citywide debates program.
The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of NYC politics and the local political media landscape, strong relationship building skills, honed political instincts and professional judgment, and experience with fast-paced, mission-driven communications. They will be comfortable appearing on-camera and in other on-the-record media interviews and adept at preparing other spokespeople for their own media appearances and public speaking responsibilities. The person in this role will play a key role in advancing the CFB's strategic goals to make it easier for New Yorkers to participate meaningfully in their local democracy, whether by casting their vote, supporting their candidate of choice, running for office, or something in between.
We're seeking a candidate who is passionate about politics and local government and who understands the power of effective communication and storytelling to boost participation. The Press Secretary will also supervise the Assistant Press Secretary, who is responsible for managing the agency's Community & Ethnic Media strategy and Spanish-language media relations, with an emphasis on amplifying voting and election information to harder-to-reach audiences.
The Press Secretary's responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Oversee media relations strategy and tactics including drafting messaging and talking points, compiling and sending press releases and advisories, participating in on-the-record and background interviews
Develop strong relationships with reporters and secure coverage to ensure New Yorkers are well informed about local elections, the city matching funds program, and the spectrum of civic engagement in NYC
Serve as primary on-record spokesperson for the agency
Respond to all media inquiries
Develop comprehensive knowledge of the campaign finance program and ensure media coverage of the agency is nuanced and accurate
Prepare the Executive Director and other spokespeople for public appearances and media interviews
Represent the Campaign Finance Board in the press, on social media, at public meetings, at conferences and convenings
Manage the Assistant Press Secretary
The Press Secretary will also possess the following essential knowledge, skills, abilities, and other behaviors:
Knowledge of federal, state, and city campaign finance laws and compliance
Knowledge of best practices for media relations in politics and government
Effective communication skills to interact with internal partners, external partners, and the public
Skill of writing clearly and concisely, journalistically and/or in an organization's voice
Skill of public speaking, speaking in soundbites, and giving interviews
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team on agency projects
High level of emotional intelligence
Capacity to respond well to unexpected events and rapid-response moments
Demonstrates a creative approach to achieving goals and problem-solving
Demonstrates empathy for people across lines of difference
Demonstrates accountability in achieving results
Works well with different skill sets and styles
Works independently and creatively to advance goals and mission
Demonstrates curiosity in their work
Preferred qualifications include:
4-6 years' experience working in politics, advocacy, or government workplaces with core communications responsibilities
Demonstrated relationships with NYC reporters, particularly reporters on the City Hall or politics beats
Experience managing direct reports