Job Summary:

Reporting to the Executive Director of Media Relations, the Press Secretary assists in many critical aspects of public outreach for Chicago Public Schools. As a senior member of the Communications team, the Press Secretary will help lead media outreach for the district, working closely with the Chief of Communications and Executive Director of Media Relations to develop and implement communications strategies for high-priority initiatives and urgent communications matters. The Press Secretary will have daily contact with members of the news media, both in proactively pitching newsworthy stories and managing breaking news. This role will also serve as a liaison to key CPS departments and school staff.

The Press Secretary will be held accountable for the following responsibilities:

• Serve as on-the-record spokesperson for district operations, including the offices of Facilities, Finance, Safety and Security, and Talent, in addition to other high-priority areas.
• Collaborate with internal District and School leadership to develop communications, including press releases, fact sheets, media advisories, leadership briefings and responses to press inquiries, and other writings as needed.
• Support media briefings, press conferences and prepare district officials for interviews and events.
• Pitch positive stories about work being done to support students and staff throughout the district.
• Support the Executive Director of Media Relations with short- and long-term planning; Assist in the development of media plans for annual events and operations, including the rollout of assessment data, the CPS budget, and other significant operational actions and initiatives.
• Develop a strong working knowledge of CPS operations and academic initiatives; Work closely with assigned departments to understand and create communication plans around key initiatives.
• Attend public meetings and events to assist the media.
• Other duties as assigned.

In order to be successful and achieve the above responsibilities, the Press Secretary must possess the following qualifications:

Education Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university required

Experience Required:

• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in communications in or with the media including:
• external communications and crisis communications
• communications work for a large organization with a significant public profile
• working in dynamic, high-intensity situations required
• Managerial experience preferred
• School communications experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing skills; Working knowledge of the AP style of writing
• Strong verbal, interpersonal and critical thinking skills, with the ability to communicate succinctly and accurately on deadlines
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues on best communication strategies for complex initiatives, including the CPS budget, teaching and learning strategies and outcomes, safety issues, and new initiative rollouts.
• Ability to balance competing high-profile priorities, demonstrate good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and operate as a strong team member
• Adept at multitasking while maintaining a calm and productive environment during crisis or emergency situations
• Ability to understand complex issues and simplify them for key audiences
• Proven track record developing and executing complex, large-scale projects with precision
• Operate with a sense of urgency in accomplishing goals and objectives to ensure success and working effectively under crisis situations
• Demonstrates a commitment to continuous improvement and an unwavering belief that all students can achieve at high levels
• Excellent critical thinking skills
• Ability to think strategically through problems and find solutions

As 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.
• Be Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19 - Unless approved for a medical or religious exemption, all employees are required to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccinations, including boosters, and to submit proof of vaccination to the district within 30 days of hire. “Up-to-date” on vaccination is defined as being at least two weeks past all primary vaccine doses and any applicable boosters.