Job Description
The Manhattan Borough President’s Office seeks an experienced, creative, and highly organized Press Secretary to join its energetic and collaborative communications team.
Reporting to the Director of Communications, the Press Secretary will work closely with the Speechwriter, Digital Director, and cross-office partners including Events, Land Use, Community Affairs, and Policy, as well as directly with the Borough President, to execute a modern, social-first communications strategy that engages New Yorkers in real time.
This is a position for a strong writer, strategic thinker, and confident spokesperson who thrives in a fast-paced public office.
Core Responsibilities:
- Draft and edit press releases, statements, quotes, talking points, op-eds, speeches, testimony, and public remarks
- Serve as the primary on-the-record spokesperson and main point of contact for the press
- Manage incoming media inquiries, coordinate interviews, pitch stories, and maintain relationships with local, citywide, and national media
- Lead day-to-day press operations while integrating announcements, policy rollouts, and events into a digital-first and social-first communications approach
- Write and edit content for email blasts, website updates, and all official social media channels when necessary
- Collaborate with the Digital Director on rapid response messaging, video, and real-time communications
- Support major public events and announcements, including occasional evenings and weekends
- Assist with special projects, publications, and internal communications as needed
- Excellent judgment, strong organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a high-visibility environment are essential.
Interested candidates must do the following step:
Email a cover letter and resume in a word or PDF document to: resumes@manhattanbp.nyc.gov with “Press Secretary” in the subject line
SECRETARY TO THE DEPUTY BORO P - 12885
1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with 24 credits in English, Journalism or Public Relations and three years of satisfactory full-time experience in public relations, Journalism or Advertising, including a year and a half (18 months) in a responsible Supervisory, Administrative or Consultative capacity.
- Bachelor’s degree - Exceptional writing and editing skills across formats: press, digital, long-form, speeches, testimony, and op-eds - Proven experience managing media relations and press events - Demonstrated ability to think strategically and execute communications in a digital-first, social-media environment - Experience supporting and maintaining an official website and publishing across social platforms - Familiarity with video and audio scripting, producing, and editing strongly preferred - Knowledge of government, education, or nonprofit ecosystems, particularly in New York City - Collaborative working style, strong multitasking ability, and comfort operating under tight deadlines - Proficiency with modern communications tools and platforms, including: Mailchimp, Microsoft Office, WordPress, livestream platforms, Meta (Facebook/Instagram), X, Linked In, YouTube, and emerging social channels - Spanish or Chinese language skills are a plus - This is not an entry-level position.
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
Job ID
766176
Title code
12885
Civil service title
SECRETARY TO THE DEPUTY BORO P
Title classification
Non-Competitive-5
Business title
Press Secretary
- Experienced (non-manager)
Job level
00
Number of positions
1
Work location
1 Centre St., N.Y.
- Communications & Intergovernmental Affairs