Job Description

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

Salary Range:

$58,807.00 - $93,289.00 Annually

Hiring Salary Range:

$58,807.00 - $75,797.00 Annually

Get to Know Us

Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or are interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

Reports to: Director of Communications & Deputy Director of Communications Staff reporting to this position: Press Assistant, HBCU Fellow

Department: Mayor’s Office of Communications

The Press Secretary will serve in Baltimore City to help drive positive coverage and messaging. The ideal candidate has experience in political communications and media, has worked directly with members of the press, and possesses excellent writing skills. The Press Secretary will be an on-the-record spokesperson for Mayor Scott, helping to lead all aspects of media relations, including handling press inquiries, writing press releases, and organizing press conferences. They will establish and maintain contact with significant print and broadcast journalists, as well as representatives of local, constituency, and community media outlets, to ensure comprehensive representation of the City of Baltimore. This role requires rapid response capabilities for emergencies and a strategic approach to developing and delivering communications strategies.

Essential Functions

• Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Monitor media coverage and provide daily reports to the Mayor and senior staff.
• Serve as the day-to-day media point of contact for local and national media on issues in the City of Baltimore.
• Prepare press releases and associated materials for major and daily events and announcements; develop and draft press releases, briefings, and talking points.
• Handle press inquiries, including coordinating across city government with appropriate agencies and staff.
• Review daily news articles and create press clips to circulate and file relevant items.
• Assist the Director of Communications in coordinating all details of press conferences with Mayor Scott and other senior administration officials, booking media appearances, and major media events.
• Keep abreast of media-relevant issues and inform staff of the Mayor's scheduled appearances.
• Work with counterparts across City Government to communicate the Administration’s priorities and work to residents and media partners.
• Proactively identify and cultivate new opportunities to publicize City of Baltimore programs, activities, research, staff, and student accomplishments through local, national, specialty/trade, and international news media.
• As needed, prepare and staff organizational spokespersons for media interviews and speaking engagements.

Rapid Response Communication:

• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies.
• Serve as the spokesperson during emergencies, providing timely and accurate information to the public and media.
• Prepare and distribute emergency statements and press releases.
• Coordinate with emergency management teams to ensure consistent and clear communication.

Working Conditions:

This position may require availability outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, especially during emergencies.

The Press Secretary may need to travel with the Mayor for events and press engagements.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within government, public service, or political campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Well-developed understanding of the logistics involved in the print, TV news, and digital media fields.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and handle competing deadlines, with an attention to detail.
• Commitment to public service and the mission of Mayor Scott’s administration.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6-month mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER