Press Secretary

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. 

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.

• Work for a Forbes top company - ‘Forbes’: State of Connecticut Ranked One of the Best Employers of 2023.
• 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.

• Full-Time, 40 hours per week
• 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.
• Salary commensurate with experience.
• Location: Hartford, CT
• Hybrid (office/telework) may be available

• 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.

• 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.

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.