Assistant Press Secretary
260002O9
: Nov 5, 2026, 9:36:50 PM
: Central-42 West Madison Street (Communications Office)
: 67,000.00 - 89,000.00
Position Type: Non-Union Position
: Exempt
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving more than 300,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 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. Aligned with our transformed philosophy, we are steadfastly focused on ensuring that the District provides resources equitably to support every student, every school, and every community. Six core values guide the work we do every day for our students – student-centered, whole child, equity, academic excellence, community partnership, and continuous learning. Each role in the district supports our vision that every student deserves a rigorous, joyful, and equitable learning experience. 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, platforms, and strategies designed to engage key internal and external stakeholders. Job Summary: Reporting to the Executive Director Media Relations, the Assistant Press Secretary supports excellent internal and external communication and collaboration for one of the District’s most public-facing teams. This frontline job offers a clear opportunity for career growth, skill development and internal promotion across the Communications department. The Assistant Press Secretary supports the press team’s daily operations, plans, and leads execution of successful CPS press events involving senior District and school leadership, faculty and staff. This position requires a self-starter who can manage multiple tasks, strategize the efficiency of press operations and execute events that deliver clear storytelling about public education, taking into consideration the best visual, televised and livestream opportunities. Special projects will be assigned on a case-by-case basis. This is a full-time, exempt position that will be paid for time worked on a salary basis.The Assistant Press Secretary will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:Ensures detailed media inquiries are shared with the team that a timely response is delivered while also tracking daily published and broadcast stories on a number of metricsManage logistics of a portion of the press events, as well as photo opportunities and media interviews to accomplish the following:Coordinate with all partners to conceptualize and implement great press events or media opportunities/interviews Develop the run of show for the event, identify speakers (E.g., senior/school leadership and other agency leaders), sequencing out the speaking program and organizing the development of talking points and organizing the development of talking points Identify an appropriate location for the respective public appearance Manage the setup of the event and coordinate with participating senior/school leadership to ensure they understand their role and responsibilities and have the materials they need to succeed Provide support during the event to ensure it runs smoothly and on-time Manage the space clean up in a timely manner Manage the press team’s monthly, weekly and daily calendar, considering annual school year milestones, storytelling opportunities, events and initiatives in collaboration with the executive director of media relations and take initiative to pitch and propose positive stories to mediaWrite succinct and compelling press releases and media events and land related storiesOther duties as assigned
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 Experience Required: Minimum of three (3) years of experience in communications, media, marketing/PR, political campaigns, or education policyPublic education communications experience preferred Other Requirements:Reliable access to transportation to travel to and from events within the city of Chicago is requiredOccasional early morning, night, and weekend work is required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Deadline and detail-oriented with a strong ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously as well as flexibility to adapt to the change common to a busy press officeStrong problem-solving skills, able to identify root causes and obstacles behind issues or needs, consider stakeholder reactions, and offer potential communication solutions Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a focus on serving our internal and external partners, and using AP StyleCollaborates with people of diverse backgrounds and experiences to manage clear, inspiring and impactful communication initiatives, including media interviews, briefings, statements, and events Benefits:Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your ChoiceCPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:Medical Plan OptionsPharmacyDentalVisionBehavioral Health & EAPEmployee Wellness Program Financial Security: Planning for Today and TomorrowWe understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:Basic Life InsuranceLife and Disability InsurancePension PlansSupplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)Spot Pet Insurance Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional LifeCPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:Paid LeaveSick LeaveVacation DaysParental LeavesShort-Term DisabilityReligious HolidaysLeaves Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Conditions of EmploymentAs 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.
Chicago Public Schools is looking for teachers, leaders, and non-instructional staff to transform the face of urban education. We are a team of passionate, committed, and talented professionals who believe that every CPS student will graduate prepared for success in college, career, and life. Come join us in making CPS a model for public school districts throughout the nation. CPS is the third largest school district in the United States with more than 600 schools providing education to over 340,000 children.
