Press Secretary

Title: Press Secretary

State Role Title:

Hiring Range: $85,000 to $95,000 Commensurate with experience

Pay Band: UG

Agency: Office of the Governor

Location: Patrick Henry Building

Agency Website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Office of Governor Abigail Spanberger is seeking a Press Secretary.

The Press Secretary will report directly to the Communications Director and the rest of the communications team to amplify the core priorities of the Spanberger Administration. This is a full-time At-Will position appointed by the Governor of Virginia, based in Richmond, Virginia.

This position will:

• Serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for the Governor's Office
• Draft press releases, media advisories, remarks, responses to media inquiries, and other external communications products as needed
• Prepare talking points, briefing materials, memos, and other internal communications products as needed
• Pitch compelling stories about the Administration's work
• Help organize and staff effective earned media events
• Travel with the Governor
• Facilitate and prepare the Governor and members of the Cabinet for media appearances
• Work across the Governor's Office, Secretariats, and state agencies to respond to media inquiries and secure media coverage
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and national media
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of professional experience in government, public policy, or political campaigns
• Previous experience managing media relationships and responding to breaking news, and balancing multiple priorities under tight deadlines
• Strong writer and editor with the ability to distill complex policy information into clear, compelling messaging for a variety of audiences
• Sharp news judgment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Calm under pressure
• A team player

Additional Considerations

Interested candidates should attach a resume, cover letter, and at least three writing samples with this application.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

The Governor's Office is an equal opportunity employer. The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Office of the Governor are dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and maintaining a competent and diverse workforce.

This is an At-Will position appointed by the Governor of Virginia. Selected applicant will need to successfully pass a criminal background check. This position is based in Richmond, Virginia.

Interested candidates should attach a resume, cover letter, and at least three writing samples with this application.

Contact Information

Name: Communications Office

Phone: 804-786-2211

Email: VA75Hiring@governor.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.