City Jobs

Press Assistant

Description

Summary of Position

The Communications Office Press Assistant is an entry-level, full-time to part-time option position reporting directly to the Director of Communications. The ideal candidate will possess exemplary and effective communication, organization, writing and research skills. This position is responsible for supporting the press team and Communications staff while offering research support on a range of policy issues and programming areas important to the City of New Orleans related to current news events and media inquiries.

 

Organizational Relationships

  • Supervisor: The Director of Communications
  • Assignments received from: The Director and Deputy Director of Communications
  • Interacts with: Full Communications staff and other government employees and officials

 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Core Functions (provide at least 3):
    • Draft media advisories, press releases, talking points and remarks, statements, correspondence, and interoffice action memorandums
    • Responsible for supporting Press team and Communications staff
    • Provides research support on a range of policy issues and programming areas important to the City of New Orleans related to current news events and media inquiries

 

  • Additional Responsibilities (if applicable):
    • Provides logistical support for press conferences, press briefings and media availabilities including preparation of the press room and/or podium, and media outreach
    • Represents the Director of Communications for certain logistics and planning meetings

 

  • Physical Requirements, if any:
    • n/a

 

  • Examples of Work (provide 3-5 examples)
    • Drafting talking points and speeches for high level executives
    • Drafting press releases announcing City programs and initiatives
    • Drafting media advisories to alert the media of upcoming events
    • Drafting statements and/or quotes for press releases
    • Researching information to develop talking points and press releases

 

  • Qualifications and Skills
    • Current university student studying journalism, communications, public relations, or political science with sophomore undergraduate hours completed
    • Must possess communication, organization, and strong computer skills; detail oriented and can manage time effectively

 

  • Other Qualifications, Skills, and Competencies:
    • Experience working in a fast-paced environment
    • Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously
    • Flexibility and adaptability
    • Creativity and innovation
    • A passion for the community engagement and government relations

 

For questions or to apply, please email your resume and cover letter to Lesley Thomas at Lesley.Thomas@nola.gov.