Press Secretary (NCS) - Mayor's Office of Communications

ABOUT THE ROLE The Mayor’s Office of Communications is seeking a Press Secretary to serve as an on-the-record spokesperson for Mayor Scott. This non-civil service position is responsible for driving positive coverage and messaging for the City of Baltimore. The ideal candidate will have experience in political communications, media relations, and excellent writing skills. The role involves handling press inquiries, writing press releases, organizing press conferences, and establishing relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. The Press Secretary must be capable of rapid response during emergencies and work strategically to deliver communication goals. This position reports to the Director and Deputy Director of Communications and supervises a Press Assistant and HBCU Fellow. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets - Monitor media coverage and provide daily reports to the Mayor and senior staff - Serve as the day-to-day media point of contact for local and national media - Prepare press releases, briefings, talking points, and associated materials for major and daily events - Handle press inquiries and coordinate with city agencies and staff - Review daily news articles and create press clips - Assist in coordinating press conferences, booking media appearances, and managing major media events - Keep staff informed of media-relevant issues and the Mayor's scheduled appearances - Collaborate with counterparts across City Government to communicate administration priorities - Proactively identify opportunities to publicize City programs, activities, and accomplishments - Prepare and staff organizational spokespersons for media interviews and speaking engagements - Develop and implement crisis communication strategies - Serve as spokesperson during emergencies, providing timely and accurate information - Coordinate with emergency management teams to ensure consistent communication MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within government, public service, or political campaigns - Exceptional written and verbal communication skills - Well-developed understanding of logistics in print, TV news, and digital media fields - Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously - Ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and handle competing priorities with attention to detail - Commitment to public service and the mission of Mayor Scott’s administration SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Non-Civil Service Position: This role is not part of the civil service system. - Availability: May require availability outside regular business hours, including nights and weekends, especially during emergencies. - Travel: May need to travel with the Mayor for events and press engagements. - Background Check: Candidates identified as positions of trust must complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening. - Financial Disclosure: Required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to City Ethics Law within 30 days of hire. - Probation: All selected persons must complete a mandatory 6-month probation. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be reviewed based on minimum qualifications and preferred experience. - Specific examination details are not listed, but selection is based on the evaluation of education, training, and experience relative to the position requirements. HOW TO APPLY - Submit application online via the City of Baltimore career portal - Application Deadline: October 14, 2026 - Job Requisition ID: R0018534 - For questions regarding the application process, contact the Department of Human Resources Office of Recruitment at (410) 396-3860 or via email. - Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Human Resources directly; do not attach accommodation requests to the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Baltimore, Mayor's Office of Communications - Location: City Hall, Baltimore, MD - Job Type: Full-Time - Posted Date: Yesterday - Closing Date: October 14, 2026 - Benefits: Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, FSA plans, wellness programs, support groups, and workshops - Equal Opportunity Employer: Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics.