Media Relations Specialist — Telework Eligible

Job Title
Media Relations Analyst

Department / Division
Press Office

Supervisor
Deputy Communications Director

Work Location
2 Broadway, New York, NY 10004

Hours of Work
As required

Employment Type
Full Time

Salary Range
$66,131 - $71,131

Telework Eligibility
This position is eligible for telework, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective date of hire.

About the MTA
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square‑mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Job Summary
Assists the press office in various ways to inform the media and the general public about important transportation, financial, policy, governmental, real estate, and other development work being done by the MTA and its agencies. Performs a variety of functions, including but not limited to preparing and distributing press materials, including clips of published and broadcast media reports, internally and externally. This position also directs media calls to the appropriate media liaison, interfaces with other MTA agencies and departments in order to gather information, and answers basic media inquiries on service status, preparing internal reports and assisting in the drafting of press office materials.

Responsibilities

Drafting press releases; assist in drafting press materials and organizing media events; perform general research into MTA operating and administrative functions.

Respond directly to media inquiries about basic operating information and grant press clearances to specific locations; direct incoming media calls and calls from the general public to the appropriate contact.

Assist with research and other tasks for special projects on an as‑needed basis.

Work evening hours to prepare summaries of broadcast and/or published news reports and summaries of daily press office activity; include working to 9 p.m. or later in the case of breaking news relevant to the MTA’s operations or mission. Work one or both weekend days and be assigned to a rotating on‑call schedule as necessary for operational requirements. The MTA Media Relations office is a 24/7/365 responsive organization.

Start work at 5 a.m. or earlier to prepare a daily package of print and online press coverage of the MTA and its agencies to be distributed to staff by 7:30 a.m., and a package of television coverage of the MTA and its agencies to be distributed to staff by 8:30 a.m. (Hours subject to change.)

Disseminate information directly to the public via the MTA’s social media platforms and accounts.

Manage and maintain the composition of press release distribution lists and internal distribution lists.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Must possess excellent organizational, research, interpersonal, and communication (both oral and written) skills.

Must use, understand, and be fully comfortable in social media platforms and applications. This includes an instinctive understanding of what kind of messaging engages others on and through social media.

Must be proficient with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and similar applications.

Will be responsible for gathering information from various people in the MTA family of agencies, and must be comfortable navigating a complex organization.

Must possess an intuitive understanding of social media platforms, what audiences engage with each, what drives that engagement, how to search for posts on topics of relevance, and how to create content that speaks to the appetite of users on various social platforms.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) with a concentration in Journalism, Media Studies, Political Science, Communications, Fine Writing, or a related discipline. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Minimum 2 years of experience in a position requiring multiple simultaneous deliverables on deadline, including writing, organization, data evaluation, and/or interaction with reporters.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum 1 year of experience in government communications.

Proficiency with Final Cut Pro or similar video editing applications is preferred.

Other Information
May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law and the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity
MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.

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