Press Secretary

Section:                                       Communications/Executive Office 

Class:                                           Press Secretary

Location:                                      Harrisburg

Telework:                                     This position will report to the headquartered location a minimum of 2 days per week.  You may have the opportunity to telework the remainder of the week, if desired and based on business need.  

Position Type:                             Full-time, Non-civil service, Non-union

Work Hours:                                8:30 – 5:00

Salary Range:                              Starting salary of $75,208; salary offered will be commensurate                                                        with experience 

Basic Function

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a Press Secretary to join our fast-paced Communications Section. We are looking for a skilled writer and communicator who works well with others and is motivated by the environment of a consequential government agency. 

This position reports to the Director of Communications and will work closely with the entire Communications team to promote the agency’s mission, policy priorities, and accomplishments. The candidate selected for this position will assist with drafting press releases and other external communications, planning and staffing press/public events, and tracking and responding to media inquiries. These duties will be performed in compliance with the office’s overall communications strategy, as defined by the Director of Communications. 

This role requires travel across the Commonwealth for events, interaction with senior staff and section leaders, and engagement with members of the media. The role also requires occasional availability to assist with breaking news that occurs on nights and weekends. The successful candidate will have experience exercising sound judgement and discretion in high-profile, high pressure situations. 

• Serves as press liaison to OAG attorneys, attending weekly calls with internal teams on upcoming initiatives and cases 
• Drafts, proofreads, and fact checks press releases
• Drafts prep materials, statements, and other materials for OAG’s caseload
• Plans, staffs, and travels for press events, media interactions, and briefs with OAG attorneys and the Attorney General (AG) 
• Handles press inquiry assignments and works with attorneys on responses
• Builds and maintains relationships with beat reporters and media for future coverage 
• Supports other OAG divisions when fellow communications staff are traveling with the AG or out of the office
• Responsible for flagging clips, reporter tweets, and potential red flags for the Director of Communications and senior team
• Works with the Director of Communications on interview requests for the AG and OAG staff and assists in all prep materials
• Works with the Digital Communications team to coordinate online roll-out of messaging on press initiatives 
• Performs related work as required

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Communications, Public Relations, or a related major and four years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, or a related field OR
• Six years of relevant experience in communications, public relations, or a related field OR
• An equivalent combination of experience and training

• Experienced in professional writing and other public-facing messaging 
• On the record experience preferred