Press Secretary (Executive Assistant 1)

Introduction

Are you tired of voters feeling their vote is not important or they are powerless to change government? Do you want to use your out-of-the box thinking, creative energy and superb communications skills to get more voters engaged? If yes, read on!

The State of Connecticut, Secretary of the State (SOTS) is currently seeking a dynamic and creative media connector to contribute their skills as Press Secretary (Executive Assistant 1) to amplify the agency’s civic education and civic engagement initiatives. Join our team and embark on a rewarding career that offers growth, superlative benefits, and a culture that encourages work/life balance. 

FROM THE SECRETARY

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas is committed to promoting the importance of both civic education and civic engagement across the state. Recognizing knowledge is power, she is focused on teaching Connecticut residents how to navigate government and advocate for their own interests, as well as breaking down barriers that might prevent people from engaging with their government. She sees the Secretary of the State’s office as not only a place where residents can go for information and tools to use, but also as a service that goes out into communities to bring the information and tools to the residents for them to use. And the Press Secretary helps make that happen.

The Press Secretary serves as the office’s media connector, working closely with the Communications Director to execute a dynamic communications plan to elevate civic engagement and the work of the Office of the Secretary of the State. This position helps to manage and build day-to-day relationships with local and national media and connect the Office with constituent communities around the state. The position is part of the Executive team, who are dedicated, passionate and fun individuals working to create the change they wish to see in the world. The work is challenging, the days can sometimes be long, but the reward is great.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU

• Join a Forbes-recognized company! Connecticut is proud to be featured on America’s Best Employers by State and Best Employers for New Grads in 2024.
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance, providing you with peace of mind and access to quality healthcare.
• Robust pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings to secure your financial future.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and 13 holidays per calendar year.
• We are an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, which means you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
• A culture that recognizes the importance of work/life balance and offers alternate work schedules and telecommuting options.
• Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and development with training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the State of Connecticut.
• Connecticut is a strong community with a lot to offer in entertainment, food and shopping, recreation in our beautiful state parks and forests, diverse culture, and rich history. Learn more about all Connecticut has to offer.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS

• Full-Time
• Monday through Friday
• Due to the nature of the role’s responsibilities, the incumbent may be required to attend off-site evening and weekend events. 
• Location: Hartford, CT
• Hybrid (office/telework) may be available

THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF

• You’re aware and engaged with the Secretary of the State’s legislative agenda, the Connecticut legislative process, and Connecticut electoral issues and are knowledgeable of government press operations. 
• You use your excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and knowledge of proper grammar, punctuation and spelling to develop and deliver social media strategies that penetrate hard-to-reach audiences. 
• You think creatively and outside of the box, leveraging your knowledge of social media platforms and operations and basic digital editing software skills to develop concise and engaging copy under tight deadlines, edit videos, and design and create graphics.
• You have a passion for promoting participation in the democratic process by providing a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. 
• You want to do work that matters and want to build a better Connecticut with the Office of the Secretary of the State.

DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO

• Manage the planning, creation, and posting of social media content;
• Monitor social media for trending topics;
• Write press releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, newsletters, legislative testimony and other written materials;
• Distribute daily press clips and stay informed about current events across the state and country for their impact on the Secretary and mission of the office;
• Field and respond to media inquiries;
• Help design and implement media, public relations, and communications strategies for the Secretary;
• Staff the Secretary at press events;
• Catalogue all media stories mentioning the Secretary and office;
• Maintain and update press distribution list;
• Assist with managing logistics for public-facing events, both virtual and in-person;
• Remain abreast of current legislative and non-legislative issues about which the Secretary may be questioned;
• Work closely with Communications Director to determine the best way to communicate the Secretary’s work;
• Assists with other duties as assigned.

ABOUT US

Through the dedication of knowledgeable staff and advanced technology, the Office of the Secretary of the State works as a team to provide a wide range of services for the people and businesses of Connecticut. We are a repository of records for the State and provide important information and resources regarding business and commercial filings, elections, and authentication as prescribed by the constitution, and federal and state laws. We seek to bolster business development opportunities, and foster a more inclusive political process by educating, informing and engaging communities in youth and civic preparation.

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY

• Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. 
• Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
• Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
• Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing [email protected].
• Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
• Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting. 

AFTER YOU APPLY

• Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). 
• Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
• Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks. 
• The immediate vacancy is listed above, but your application may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
• Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics. 

CONNECT WITH US

• Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. 
• If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Emily Kennedy at [email protected]. 
• Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

Acts as an executive assistant to a state elective officer or department head as defined in Section 4-5 of the Connecticut General Statutes and performs such duties as are assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience writing press releases, talking points and other communications materials for a high-level executive or elected official.
• Experience managing event logistics.
• Experience interacting with reporters and media outlets.
• Experience creating and editing videos.
• Experience writing copy and creating content for social media posts.
• Experience creating and editing graphics.
• Experience managing social media content for an elected official, a government agency, or non-profit organization. 
• Experience in a communications or press relations role for an elected official, a government agency, or non-profit organization. 

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status. Women, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes. As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.

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