Press Assistant

Are you looking for a new opportunity to grow and serve? As a Press Assistant for the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), you will help craft accurate and engaging messages that reach communities across the state. This role offers a chance to build strong skills while contributing to a respected public safety organization. Apply now to join a team dedicated to protecting Pennsylvania's residents and visitors!

This position supports the communications work of the Pennsylvania State Police by helping to create clear public messages. You will play a key role in building public understanding of the agency's programs and activities. As a Press Assistant, you will perform the following duties:

• Editing Support: Edit written materials for grammar, clarity, and proper style
• Publication Work: Prepare and design the Communicator newsletter and assist with layout and content
• Media Coordination: Help plan media events, prepare news releases, and support communication activities
• Social Media Monitoring: Monitor PSP's social media, as well as internal and external websites
• Department Interaction: Work with staff across the agency while maintaining confidentiality when needed

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

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week
• Work hours are 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
• Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position.
• 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 have at least one year of professional experience using Adobe InDesign.
• You must have at least one year of professional experience using Adobe Photoshop.
• You must be willing and able to work in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Professional experience in any of the following:
  • Providing information to the media
  • Coordinating conferences, press events, and public hearings
  • Initiating press calls to promote events
  • Preparing responses to the media
  • Preparing briefings for media events
  • Managing press events
  • Interacting with media and the public
  • Taking photographs for communications materials
  • Writing and editing the following communication pieces: press releases, newsletters, brochures, event briefings, operations memos, sound bites

Legal Requirements:

• You must pass a background investigation and meet Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance requirements.

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.
• All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.

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.html and 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.