Deputy Press Secretary

The Deputy Press Secretary will work with all levels of the agency to promote and defend HPD's programs, policies, and initiatives in the media while building strong relationships with members of the press, the HPD community, City Hall, and other agencies, and external partners. The position requires a creative planner, a critical thinker, and a passionate individual about how communications can make real change in our communities. The Deputy Press Secretary will craft and advance a proactive press strategy, including identifying, creating, and managing press opportunities; drafting press materials such as releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and occasionally social media content; handling media inquiries; building deep relationships within the agency as well as with external partners and the media.

What You Will Do

The primary responsibilities of the Deputy Press Secretary include proactively pitching stories and interviews to individual reporters, responding to media inquiries, planning and attending Agency press events and other public-facing events, drafting press releases, briefing materials, talking points, public remarks, and op-eds for the Commissioner and senior staff, building relationships with new and existing press contacts, and preparing HPD's spokespeople for interviews and public speaking engagements.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with at least 3-5 years of full-time experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields, with strong analytical and organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to fact-check and synthesize complex issues on a range of housing and urban policy topics.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of full-time experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or related fields
• Handle multiple deadlines in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment
• Strong analytical and organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to fact-check and synthesize complex issues on a range of housing and urban policy topics
• Discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters and excellent judgment
• Ability to work well independently and as a team player, switching often between the two
• Passion for new media / social media required
• A Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or an equivalent combination of education and experience

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Vacation time
• Sick leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Learning budget
• Parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Visa/relocation assistance
• Remote flexibility
• Stipends
• Bonus/commission