Press Secretary

Overview

The City of St. Louis Mayor's Office seeks a highly skilled, innovative, and results-driven Press Secretary This role supports the Mayor, Chief of Staff, Director of Communications, and others in developing and executing a comprehensive, proactive, and impactful media strategy. The Press Secretary manages proactive and reactive media relations, crafts clear public messaging, and cultivates relationships with local and national journalists to advance the Mayor's priorities.

Position Vision

In our vision for St. Louis, civic communication serves as an essential link of accountability and trust between every resident and the Mayor's Office. As Mayor Cara Spencer drives efforts for safer streets, cleaner communities, and enhanced transparency through data-driven tools like CityStat, the Press Secretary serves as the primary narrator of these advancements.

We seek a forward-thinking communicator dedicated to narrating the journey of a revitalized St. Louis while keeping citizens empowered and informed. Your objective is to bridge the gap between municipal policy and the public by crafting clear, engaging stories that highlight our shared determination and celebrate our city's collective achievements.

Joining the City of St. Louis as Press Secretary at this juncture offers a unique opportunity to serve as the "primary narrator" of a city in active revitalization. Rather than a standard communications role, this position places you at the heart of the Mayor’s Cabinet, where you will bridge the divide between complex, data-driven governance—such as the CityStat initiative—and the lived experiences of residents. For a communicator driven by impact, this is the chance to define the public narrative around critical pillars like safety, transparency, and equity. You aren't just managing media; you are actively building the essential link of accountability between the administration and the community, shaping how St. Louis views its own progress and ensuring that every resident feels informed, empowered, and part of the city’s collective renewal.

Position Description

Serving as a key strategic leader in the Mayor's Cabinet, the Press Secretary executes communication strategies under the Director of Communications to promote an accessible, transparent, and responsive municipal government. This role is central to advancing a shared vision of equity, resilience, and progress by leading community-focused storytelling that builds public trust and connects all St. Louis neighborhoods.

The Press Secretary operates in close collaboration with the Mayor, Chief of Staff, and Director of Communications to translate city priorities into public narratives. A primary responsibility involves demystifying complex, data-centric resources—such as CityStat—to keep residents informed about city progress through clear and relatable stories. By bridging the gap between policy and the daily lives of residents, the Press Secretary ensures that the administration's commitment to "safer streets, cleaner communities, and enhanced transparency" is effectively communicated.

Key Functions

• Strategic Media Management: Balancing reactive media inquiries with proactive outreach, including pitching stories on infrastructure and policy initiatives to local and national journalists.
• Executive Preparation: Drafting briefings, op-eds, and official statements while preparing the Mayor and cabinet for interviews and public appearances.
• Reputation & Crisis Management: Monitoring public sentiment to anticipate challenges and leading crisis communication efforts to maintain administrative stability during difficult periods.

Responsibilities

Media Relations & Strategy

• Act as an on-the-record spokesperson and first point of contact for local and regional media inquiries.
• Proactively pitch stories and manage media strategies highlighting city initiatives, infrastructure projects, and policy priorities.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and official statements. 

Public Messaging & Content

• Prepare the Mayor, office staff, and key cabinet members for media interviews, press conferences, and public appearances by developing comprehensive talking points and briefing materials.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director to align media strategy with broader city goals.
• Review and edit speeches, social media copy, and digital communications to ensure a consistent, professional voice. 

Crisis Communication & Monitoring

• Monitor daily news coverage, track public sentiment, and evaluate the impact of media strategies.
• Anticipate potential media challenges and lead crisis communication efforts to protect and promote the administration's reputation
   

Skills and Qualifications Desired

• Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, able to clearly and persuasively articulate complex ideas.
• Strategic Thinking: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic communication plans that align with objectives.
• Media & Public Relations Expertise: Extensive experience with traditional and digital media, understanding industry trends.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse media stakeholders.
• Local Knowledge: Strong understanding of St. Louis city governance, local neighborhoods, and regional political issues is highly preferred.
• Composure: Proven ability to work under high pressure, meet strict daily deadlines, and manage sensitive information with diplomacy and tact.
• Preferred Background: Significant professional experience in public affairs, media, government, or a related field, understanding public service communications.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related discipline is required.

Experience

They should have a proven track record of securing positive press; extensive experience managing various communication channels; and demonstrated ability to adapt to fast-paced, deadline-driven environments.

Salary Range

$65,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Application Process

Interested candidates are invited to submit a comprehensive resume, a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the role, and three professional references, to Chief of Staff, Casey Millburg, at millburgc@stlouis-mo.gov by 11:59PM on Friday, July 3rd.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of St. Louis will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the City.