Press Assistant

If you take pride in your exceptional ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with others, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) may have the career path you have been waiting for! We are eager to welcome a highly organized, goal oriented, and customer service driven Press Assistant to join our fast-paced team in the Communications Office. This is a pivotal role where you will be the first point of contact for the media and the public, serving as the essential hub that keeps our communications running smoothly. Apply today and help get PennDOT's message out!

As a Press Assistant, you will function as a cornerstone of public outreach, blending critical customer service, media coordination, and administrative support. You will serve as the primary respondent for all calls coming into the Communications Office main phone line, efficiently triaging inquiries from the public and media. In addition, you will present as the main respondent for all public inquiries submitted through the PennDOT Communications Office resource email account, ensuring timely and professional assistance. You will also search and filter news articles to compile daily clips for distribution. Other vital duties involve a variety of administrative support services such as serving as the training coordinator, conducting record retention, processing media subscriptions, and other general support functions.

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.
• 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. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• One year of professional experience in public relations, editing, or journalism and an associate's degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a related field; or
• An equivalent combination of experience and training.

Additional Requirements:

• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

How to Apply:

• Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
• 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.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.htmland click on Veterans.

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.