Press Secretary

Press Secretary

Interested candidates must apply to the Press Secretary posting by visiting careers.paturnpike.com by December 5, 2023.

Posting Start Date: November 14, 2023

Posting End Date: December 5, 2023

Position Number: 80001274

Union: Non-Union

FLSA Status: Salaried Exempt

Department: Strategy and Communications

Salary Grade: E-17

Salary Range: $88,973.10 - $133,470.36

Employment Type: Full Time

Building Location*: Central Office Building, Eastern Regional Office, Western Regional Office

Building Street: 700 S. Eisenhower Boulevard, 251 Flint Hill Road, 2200 North Center Avenue

Building City: Middletown, King of Prussia, New Stanton

Building State: Pennsylvania (US-PA)

Building Zip Code: 17057, 19406, 15672

Work Schedule: Flexible Work Options

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, opened on October 1, 1940, is known as “America’s First Superhighway”! Our mission is to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. The PTC operates a 552-mile system used by 192 million vehicles a year. Together, we are building the highway of the future.

*This position may report to one of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's offices: Central Office (Middletown), Eastern Regional Office (King of Prussia) or Western Regional Office (New Stanton).

The Commission values its team members and understands the importance of work/life balance to the health, well-being and productivity of its team. Therefore, this position may be eligible for Flexible Work Options* such as:

• Hybrid Work - combination of remote and in-person reporting
• Alternate Work Schedule - flexibility to adjust work schedule length to complete work week in fewer days

*Some options may require completion of probationary period. The Commission requires all employees to establish PA residency within 6 months of hire and to maintain PA residency, regardless of Flexible Work Options.

Job Purpose and Summary

This position serves as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s (PTC’s) primary spokesperson and media contact. This is a senior, decision-making position that works with a high level of autonomy ensuring the PTC’s objectives and achievements are communicated efficiently and effectively to the media. The Press Secretary will plan and direct the Agency’s press strategy, respond to media inquiries, pitch stories, send press releases and manage press events. The Press Secretary will proactively and aggressively achieve accurate and positive press coverage of PTC activity. This position is responsible for the management of junior press staff.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Serves as primary spokesperson for the PTC and point of contact for all media inquiries; directs, manages, and strategizes responses while ensuring complete transparency of media activity throughout the PTC.
Directs and develops the execution of a comprehensive press strategy to proactively communicate PTC policies, activities, and accomplishments using all appropriate media tactics and communication vehicles.

Exhibits professional demeanor in fast paced and high-pressure work environment, outstanding attention to detail and the ability to juggle priorities and bring closure to work under tight deadlines. Plays a critical role in the overall PTC crisis response efforts.

Directs, plans, and organizes media relations operations and staff functions including supervision, performance management, delegation of work assignments, and review of work product.

Directs the composition of communications output including but not limited to press releases, quotes, statements, talking points, and Q&A documents. Edits and ensures accuracy of communications.

Directs the proactive pitching of stories and interviews, places communications in targeted media outlets.

Exhibits excellent communication skills with the ability to work with all staff levels of the PTC to establish a strong rapport and form relations with the community and press.

Directs the development and execution of Press Events as deemed appropriate and needed to achieve overall press strategy.

Responsible for building, maintaining, and expanding relationships with new and existing PTC press contacts, continuously growing the PTC’s press list, and identifying new media outlets and reporters for communications.

Oversees junior staff and/or consultants in the capture of daily and local news clips; ensuring they are shared to the appropriate PTC staff; flagging coverage of particular importance or need for response, as well as stories that generate new ideas and opportunity for proactive media outreach.

Conducts, participates and/or represents the PTC in designated meetings, committees, planning groups, trainings, or seminars.

Performs duties requiring a broad knowledge and application of enterprise-wide objectives, values, and strategic direction.

Uses situational awareness to anticipate and prevent accidents.

Performs related duties as requested.

Qualifications

13 years of communication experience with 5 years serving as spokesperson.
OR
7 years of communication experience with 5 years serving as spokesperson AND a bachelor’s degree in a communications field.

Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.

On-camera and crisis communications experience preferred.

Possession of a valid driver’s license. Must obtain and maintain a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license within six (6) months of employment.

Portfolio

Please provide a portfolio including examples of your previous work as a spokesperson. Portfolios should include examples of work across mediums and be submitted as a Word or PDF document with links out to coverage. The portfolio can be submitted via email to ptcjobs@paturnpike.com. If you have and would like to submit audio or video files, please submit a flash drive via mail to:

Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission

Attn: Talent Acquisition

700 S. Eisenhower Blvd.

Middletown, PA 17057

Please ensure all portfolio entries are dated and if you have had a name change since entries please include that information so we can correctly identify your work. Please submit all portfolio entries by December 5, 2023.

Competencies

Active Listening

Attention to Detail

Communication Proficiency

Conflict Management

Decision Making and Independent Judgment

External Awareness

Leadership

Presentation Skills

Problem Solving/Analysis

Reliability

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Position demands include frequent speaking, writing, and reading reports. Position requires frequent work at a computer utilizing business programs and PTC specific operating systems. Position requires minimal travel and/or fieldwork with exposure to roadway traffic. Occasionally works outside of normal business hours for assigned work assignments.

Office environment with low levels of noise, adequate lighting, and comfortable temperature. Field environment may include exposure to moderately adverse and undesirable conditions. Physical environment is generally safe, but safety equipment or precautions must be followed in field conditions.

Benefits

The selected candidate will be offered an exceptional benefits package which includes comprehensive medical, dental, vision and prescription coverage, along with a benefit plan for retirement. In addition, leave programs, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program, and alternative work schedules are available to employees.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact the Human Resources Department by calling 717-831-7378.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $88,973.10 - $133,470.36 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Middletown, PA 17057

Salary : $88,973 - $133,470