STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Press Secretary

Executive Assistant 1

Recruitment #230606-3501EX-001

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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?  Then, read on!

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.

We are recruiting for an Executive Assistant 1 position to work in the role of Press Secretary.  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 the day-to-day relationships with local and national media and works to connect the Office with constituent communities around the state. Due to the nature of the role’s responsibilities, the incumbent may be required to attend off-site evening and weekend events. 

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. 

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Full-time, first shift
  • Monday - Friday
  • Close to major highways
  • Located at 165 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, CT
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU:
  • To work for a Forbes top company:  'Forbes' State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023 - State of CT Receives National Recognition for Offering Job Growth, Competitive Benefits and Flexible Schedule. 
  • An excellent salary
  • Competitive state benefits package that includes Health and Dental coverage 
  • State Employee Retirement System (SERS) Tier IV (new hires after 7/17/17)
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation 457 Plan through Empower (formerly Prudential)
  • Paid time off
  • Dedicated employee parking
ABOUT US:
The State of Connecticut, The Office of the Secretary of the State (SOTS) is designated by the Constitution and General Statutes of Connecticut as the official keeper of a wide array of public records and documents.  As a vital source of information regarding various businesses, commercial lenders, elections, legislation, regulations and other areas, this office is responsible for responding to more than 600,000 requests for information annually.

FOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:
Please visit our 'Applicant Tips on How to Apply' page.

Selection Plan

Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application into the State JobAps system. Applicants who submit an untimely, incomplete or inaccurate application will not be considered for this employment opportunity.

This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs) which will be sent to you via email after the closing date. The email notification will include an expiration date by which you must submit (Finish) your responses. Please regularly check your email for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders, as emails could end up there in error.

During the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation supporting their qualifications. These documents may include resume, college or trade school transcripts and performance evaluations. Interviews will be limited to applicants whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.  The recruitment process may require more than one interview.

Due to the anticipated volume of applications for this opportunity, CTMD will not provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.  Your application may be used for future CTMD opportunities for this job classification. Questions pertaining to this recruitment should be made to Lorna Reid, lorna.reid@ct.gov.

All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period.  It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception.  Requests should be made to lorna.reid@ct.gov.   

NOTE:  In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a background investigation of each candidate may be made before individuals are certified for permanent appointment to the position.

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.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Writes press releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, newsletters, legislative testimony and other written materials;
  • Distributes daily press clips and stays informed about current events across the state and country for their impact on the Secretary of the State and mission of the office;
  • Fields and responds to media inquiries;
  • Manages the planning, creation, and posting of social media content;
  • Helps design and implement media, public relations, and communications strategies for the Secretary of the State;
  • Staffs the Secretary at press events;
  • Catalogues all media stories mentioning the Secretary and office;
  • Maintains and updates press distribution list;
  • Assists with managing logistics for public-facing events, both virtual and in-person;
  • Remains abreast of current legislative and non-legislative issues about which the Secretary may be questioned;
  • Monitors social media for trending topics;
  • Works closely with Communications Director to determine the best way to communicate the Secretary’s work and assists with other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Considerable knowledge of:
  • Proper grammar, punctuation and spelling;
  • Social media platforms and operations;
  • Government press operations;
  • Secretary of the State’s legislative agenda;
  • The Connecticut legislative process.
Skills:
  • Excellent interpersonal skills;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills;
  • Basic photo editing software skills, i.e. Photoshop or Canva.
Ability to:
  • Write quickly and concisely under tight deadlines;
  • Operate office suite software;
  • Edit videos;
  • Prioritize workflow;
  • Think creatively and outside the box.
  • Design and create graphics.
  • Develop social media strategy to penetrate hard-to-reach audiences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Three (3) years of experience in a communications or press relations role for an elected official or in a government agency or non-profit organization.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

One (1) year of experience managing social media content.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience writing press releases, talking points and other communications materials for a high level for an 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.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.





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