Press Secretary

Company: NJEDA
Location: Newark
Posted on: January 24, 2023

Job Description:

OverviewJob Summary -The Press Secretary will help lead media outreach for the Authority, working closely with the Communications team to develop and implement communications strategies for high priority initiatives and urgent communications matters. The Press Secretary will serve as the primary on-the-record spokesperson for the Authority, and the primary writer for communications and event support related to the Chief Executive Officer. -$76,206 - $84,673 -Note: The NJEDA currently offers a hybrid work schedule for up to 2 days of telecommute work from home. To participate, you will be required to have high speed home internet access and a managers approval. This program does not supersede the "New Jersey First Act", which requires newly hired NJEDA employees to establish and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey.ResponsibilitiesEssential Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as the primary on-the-record spokesperson for the Authority and the primary writer for communications related to the Chief Executive Officer and other executive-level communications, including news releases, op-eds, speeches, and talk points. Proactively pitches newsworthy stories, manages breaking news, prepares presentations, and other internal and external communications.
• Accompanies and supports the Chief Executive Officer to all press events, including business/site visits, press conferences and other large-scale events that serve to advance awareness and support of the EDA and New Jerseys economic development efforts. Develops related briefing documents, prepares the Chief Executive Officer for interviews.
• Serves as the initial point of contact for all incoming inquiries to the Authority from reporters and works with the communications team and appropriate staff to develop and coordinate responses.
• Supports enhanced community outreach efforts in partnership with the Marketing Small Business Services, Office of Economic Growth, and other teams to expand awareness of EDA programs to diverse and underserved constituencies.
• Performs daily analysis and reporting out on print, broadcast and online media to ensure internal awareness of relevant coverage and other matters of interest or sensitivity, as well as to help identify media trends.
• Assists the Communications and Marketing teams in leveraging EDA traditional public relations strategies and tactics utilizing new media, including social media and traditional electronic media (local television/radio).
• Provides content for social media posts, annual reports, brochures, newsletters and other internal and external communications.
• Helps to maintain and build press lists and reporter relationships.
• Accessibility after hours in order to respond to media inquiries and to participate in events.
• Promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers.
• Must complete annual and semiannual self-assessment as required.
• Performs other duties and special projects, as assigned.QualificationsRequired Skills and Abilities
  • Thorough knowledge and understanding of public and media relations; excellent proofreading skills and use of proper grammar and punctuation
  • Experience interacting with reporters, members of the public and government officials and agencies
  • Knowledge of economic and community development
  • Understanding of New Jerseys social and political landscape
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with a broad range of audiences including senior management, EDA Board of Directors, staff, government officials, business and industry partners, as well as individual customers and prospects
  • Passion for EDAs mission
  • Customer focus
  • Experience producing and editing digital media
  • Adapts to changes in the work environment and manages competing demands
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; proficient in grammar, spelling and editing; and foster communications with business professionals and EDA staff
  • Ability to prioritize workload, must be highly organized, detail-oriented, handle various tasks simultaneously and work independently within limited time constraints with little or no supervision
  • Must be able to maintain confidentiality and deal effectively and diplomatically with business professionals and EDA staff
  • Demonstrates respectful behavior and promotes teamwork and communication to encourage an interactive, cooperative, collaborative and customer focused work environment among division, EDA staff and external customers
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new software packages -Required Qualifications -Education and Experience Requirements
    • Bachelors Degree in journalism, public relations or related field and/or equivalent professional experience
    • Seven years experience preferred in communications or public relations
    • Campaign or crisis communications experience preferred
    • Bilingual a plus -Advanced degree or industry specific certifications may be substituted for 1 year of experience -Physical Demands
      • Accessibility after hours in order to respond to media inquiries
      • Ability to work outside normal business hours, as needed -Travel
        • As necessary to events, meetings, businesses, etc. -Certificates and Licenses Required
          • License: Staff are required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essentials duties of the position. -Note -The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job description. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope, general nature and level of work performed by job holders within this job. - This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of qualifications, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position. -Your employment at NJEDA is voluntary and subject to termination by you or NJEDA at will, with or without cause, or with or without notice, at any time. - Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to conflict, eliminate or modify the employment-at-will status of NJEDA employees. - -This position is considered exempt and is excluded from minimum wage, overtime regulations, and other rights and protections afforded nonexempt workers under the FLSA. -NJEDA reserves the right to amend/revise this job description as necessary to meet current and changing business needs. -Equal Opportunity Employer -Position Requirements -
            • Foreign degrees/transcripts must be evaluated by a reputable evaluation service at your own expense and must be submitted prior to a start date. If this cannot be provided within 21 days of an offer the offer will be rescinded.
            • Must comply with the New Jersey First Act which requires employees hired after September 1, 2011 to reside in New Jersey. Non-New Jersey resident employees must relocate to New Jersey within one year of their date of hire and provide proof of residency to Human Resources.
            • Must complete an Outside Activity Questionnaire (disclosure of outside office or employment) on an annual basis.#LI-EROD

Keywords: NJEDA, Newark , Press Secretary, Administration, Clerical , Newark, New Jersey