Deputy Press Secretary
Apply NowCompany: State of Pennsylvania
Location: Dauphin, PA 17018
Description:
Salary: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 Annually
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2025-23212
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: GV Cmncs
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 4/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: U1160
Position Number: 50698974
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: 99
Pay Group: XH99
Bureau / Division Code: 00011040
Bureau / Division: GV Cmncs
Worksite Address: 501 North 3rd Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17120
Contact Name: Darice Mayhew
Contact Phone: 717.772.9092
Contact Email: gv-admin@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you an efficient, hardworking, highly motivated public steward? If so, consider joining the Governors' Office of Communications team as a Deputy Press Secretary. This position gives you the opportunity to utilize your extensive experience to support a wide range of work within the office, assisting Governor Shapiro and the Shapiro Administration communicate effectively on important policy priorities, in response to crises, and throughout the process of governing. Please be aware, the selected candidate may be asked to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
Apply today to become an essential part of the Governor's Office of Communications that responds to breaking news and important public developments, regardless of the time of day!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As Deputy Press Secretary, you will be working with members of the press to respond thoughtfully to inquiries, pitch compelling stories about the Administration's work, and organize effective earned media events. Work involves organizing and staffing events, ensuring all aspects of press events effectively communicate our message. Staffing events often require travel outside Harrisburg, with occasional overnight travel required within the Commonwealth. You will be responsible for writing press releases, talking points, media advisories, remarks, and other external communications products as needed. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with other members of the Governor's Office and Commonwealth agency staff to respond to media inquiries, prepare briefing materials and memos, ensure coordination, promote the Administration's priorities, organize events, and communicate the main messages of the Shapiro Administration. Additional responsibilities include:
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Additional Requirements:
Legal Requirements:
How to Apply:
Veterans:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How much graduate coursework have you completed in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Government, English, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or a closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
02
Do you possess four or more years of full-time demonstrated professional experience in American government or public relations, particularly in a press or communications role?
03
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
04
Additional Requirement- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
05
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
06
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience working with members of the press to communicate with the general public?
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience prepping and staffing high-level principals for interviews, events, and other high-pressure situations?
09
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
10
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience working within large, complex teams?
11
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question
Location : Dauphin County, PA
Job Type: Non-Civil Service Permanent Full-time
Job Number: N-2025-23212
Department: Office of the Governor
Division: GV Cmncs
Opening Date: 04/09/2025
Closing Date: 4/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Job Code: U1160
Position Number: 50698974
Union: Non-Union
Bargaining Unit: 99
Pay Group: XH99
Bureau / Division Code: 00011040
Bureau / Division: GV Cmncs
Worksite Address: 501 North 3rd Street
City: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Zip Code: 17120
Contact Name: Darice Mayhew
Contact Phone: 717.772.9092
Contact Email: gv-admin@pa.gov
THE POSITION
Are you an efficient, hardworking, highly motivated public steward? If so, consider joining the Governors' Office of Communications team as a Deputy Press Secretary. This position gives you the opportunity to utilize your extensive experience to support a wide range of work within the office, assisting Governor Shapiro and the Shapiro Administration communicate effectively on important policy priorities, in response to crises, and throughout the process of governing. Please be aware, the selected candidate may be asked to work evenings and weekends, as needed.
Apply today to become an essential part of the Governor's Office of Communications that responds to breaking news and important public developments, regardless of the time of day!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
As Deputy Press Secretary, you will be working with members of the press to respond thoughtfully to inquiries, pitch compelling stories about the Administration's work, and organize effective earned media events. Work involves organizing and staffing events, ensuring all aspects of press events effectively communicate our message. Staffing events often require travel outside Harrisburg, with occasional overnight travel required within the Commonwealth. You will be responsible for writing press releases, talking points, media advisories, remarks, and other external communications products as needed. You will also have the opportunity to work closely with other members of the Governor's Office and Commonwealth agency staff to respond to media inquiries, prepare briefing materials and memos, ensure coordination, promote the Administration's priorities, organize events, and communicate the main messages of the Shapiro Administration. Additional responsibilities include:
- Serving as the liaison between agency communications teams and the Governor's Office of Communications
- Helping the Governor's Office of Communications develop strategic communications plans, respond to crises, and promote the Shapiro Administration's agenda
- Working with other members of the Governor's Office of Communications to monitor press coverage and online conversations
- Ensuring timely distribution of press materials
- Keeping all organizational materials up to date
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
- Given the always-on nature of the role, work outside of standard hours and on weekends is expected.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week. 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.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
- Graduated with a degree in communications, public relations, marketing, government, English, public policy, political science, journalism, or a similar major or degree program; and four years of demonstrated experience in American government or public relations, particularly in press or communications role; or
- Any equivalent experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
- You must have a valid driver's license.
- You must have the ability to work well in a fast-paced and highly collaborative team environment.
- You must be enthusiastic and self-motivated with a desire to learn new tools and technologies.
- You must be familiar with drafting effective communications materials.
- You must have experience working with members of the press to communicate successfully with the general public.
- You must have experience prepping and staffing high-level principals for interviews, events, and other high-pressure situations.
- You must have experience working well within large, complex teams.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- You must pass a background investigation.
How to Apply:
- Your application must include a resume.
- 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.
Learn more about our Total Rewards by watching this short !
See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there's more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little "extras" that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit and click on the benefits box.
*Eligibility rules apply.
01
How much graduate coursework have you completed in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Government, English, Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, or a closely related field? If you are claiming credits/degree, you must upload a copy of your college transcript(s) for this education to be considered in the eligibility decision. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. You must attach your transcript(s) prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a transcript(s) to the application after it has been submitted.
If your education was acquired outside of the United States, you must upload a copy of your foreign credential evaluation report. We can only accept foreign credential evaluations from organizations that are members of the National Association of Credential Services (NACES). A list of current NACES members can be found by visiting and clicking the Evaluation Services Link.
For additional information on foreign education credentials, please visit and click on Other Information.You must attach your documentation prior to the submission of your application by using the "Attachments" tab on the left. You will not be able to add a document to the application after it has been submitted.
- 30 credits or more
- Less than 30 credits
- None
02
Do you possess four or more years of full-time demonstrated professional experience in American government or public relations, particularly in a press or communications role?
- Yes
- No
03
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
04
Additional Requirement- Do you possess a current driver's license which is not under suspension?
- Yes
- No
05
If you answered yes, please provide your driver's license number and expiration date. If you answered no, type N/A in the text box below.
06
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience working with members of the press to communicate with the general public?
- Yes
- No
07
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
08
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience prepping and staffing high-level principals for interviews, events, and other high-pressure situations?
- Yes
- No
09
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
10
Additional Requirement- Do you have experience working within large, complex teams?
- Yes
- No
11
If you are claiming experience in the above question, please list the employer(s) where you gained this experience in the text box below. The employer(s) and a description of the experience must also be included in the appropriate sections of your application if you would like the experience to be considered in the eligibility decision. If you claimed you do not have experience, type N/A in the text box below.
Required Question