Assistant Press Secretary

Company: Chicago Public Schools
Location: Chicago
Posted on: January 27, 2023

Job Description:

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is the third-largest school district in the United States, serving more than 330,000 students in 600+ schools and employing nearly 40,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. In order to fulfill this mission, we make three commitments to our students, their families, and all Chicagoans: academic progress, financial stability, and integrity. Six core values are embedded within these commitments - student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning.

The Office of Communications promotes the CPS vision, mission, activities, and priorities for all internal and external communication. In addition, the office supports schools by promoting their work and assisting in crisis situations through a full range of tools, channels, and strategies designed to engage key internal and external stakeholders.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Media Relations the Assistant Press Secretary will assist in executing the strategic objectives for local and national media. Responsibilities include but are not limited to: coordinating with leadership to develop, manage and organize communications activities, including writing press releases, talking points, advisories, responses to press inquiries, organizing local press events, updating the website, and coordinating with reporters.

The Assistant Press Secretary will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Content Creation: Research and coordinate with other departments as needed to develop and write a steady stream of rapid response statements, press releases, advisories, talking points, messaging guidance, all of which should incorporate goals, facts, and policies and promote the great work happening at CPS.
• Media Relations: Develop and maintain relationships with media to build trust with Education Beat reporters and secure earned media coverage. As inquiries come in, connect with the reporter to understand the intent of the story, manage expectations on deliverables, and deliver fully approved responses on deadline.
• Media Monitoring: Monitor media coverage of public education to spot trends and opportunities. Provide recommendations to leadership on a communication plan that addresses trends. Incorporate relevant media points in deliverables.
• Event Support: Support the logistics of press conferences, B-roll opportunities and other public-facing events, both virtual and in-person.
  
  In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Assistant Press Secretary must possess the following qualifications:
  
  Education Required:
  
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required; concentration in communications, political science, journalism, english, or public relations preferred
    Experience Required:
    
    • Minimum of five years of experience in communications, marketing/PR, political campaigns, or education policy.
    • Experience working in dynamic, high-intensity situations
      Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
      
      • Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and critical thinking skills
      • Ability to balance competing priorities, demonstrate good judgment and operate as a strong team member
      • Adept at multitasking while maintaining a calm and productive environment during crisis or emergency situations
      • Feels sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success and working effectively under crisis situations
      • Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels
        
        Conditions of Employment
        
        As a condition of employment with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS), employees are required to:
        
        • Establish/Maintain Chicago Residency - Employees are required to live within the geographic boundaries of the City of Chicago within six months of their CPS hire date and maintain residency throughout their employment with the district. The Chicago residency requirement does not apply to temporary/part-time positions, however, all CPS employees must be residents of Illinois.
        • Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. "Up-to-date" on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters. Unvaccinated staff with an approved exemption must submit to weekly testing.

Keywords: Chicago Public Schools, Chicago , Assistant Press Secretary, Administration, Clerical , Chicago, Illinois