Press Secretary

Are you seeking a meaningful and rewarding leadership opportunity where you can shape and enhance an organization's communications, media relations, and legislative strategy? Do you want a high-visibility role working directly with agency high level management to set the communications and legislative tone by being a part of establishing related standards across an organization? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

The Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System (PSERS) is seeking a self-motivated, collaborative professional to take a prominent role in developing its communications and legislative efforts, providing critical support to internal management, the executive team, and the Board of Trustees.

The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, detail-oriented communications professional with a proven track record of:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy.
• Working closely with small team of communications professionals.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborating effectively with individuals at all levels of an organization, including executive leadership.
• Demonstrating excellence in written and oral communication.

This position serves as the agency's primary day-to-day point of contact for press and media inquiries, managing media relations and public messaging, while supporting the Communications Director on broader communications initiatives. It also acts as the agency's Open Records Official and closely collaborates with the Digital Director on publications and web content. Additionally, the incumbent functions as the agency's Legislative Liaison, reporting to the Director of Government Affairs and Stakeholder Engagement, to support legislative advocacy, analysis, and coordination. This dual role advances the agency's strategic priorities through effective media engagement and legislative support.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, dependent on operational and executive leadership requirements. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg.
• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
  

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• Five years of professional experience in the field of public relations, including three years in a responsible administrative or supervisory capacity and one year serving as a public spokesperson, and a bachelor's degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a closely related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirement:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• At least two years of experience managing the communications program for a public pension fund or other public entity
• At least one year of experience in professional liaison and legislative analysis work in facilitating the review and advocacy of legislative initiatives
• At least one year working directly with a Board of Trustees or a Commission

How to Apply:

• You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application for review by the interview panel. However, these attachments will not be reviewed or considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on and within the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. *7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.employment.pa.gov/Additional%20Info/Pages/default.aspx and click the Veterans' Preference tab or contact us at ra-cs-vetpreference@pa.gov.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.