Press Assistant

About the Role

We are seeking a Press Assistant for the Port Authority’s Office of Media Relations. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Media Relations, the Press Assistant will serve as an entry-level member of the Media Relations team. This role is essential to the day-to-day functioning of Media Relations and provides an exciting opportunity to build essential skills for a career in press, media relations and communications. 

A successful candidate will have exceptional writing and organizational skills with a strong attention to detail. They will be passionate about public service and looking to build a career in press and communications. They will be comfortable owning the administrative portions of this role while embracing opportunities to learn the basics of media relations from our team. Candidates must be able to work and multi-task effectively in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines. While the candidate should be a self-starter, they are part of the larger Media Relations team and must be able to coordinate with other staff members at various levels. 

The Press Assistant will provide key administrative support for Media Relations and the Communications teams more broadly. The position is located at 4 World Trade Center in Manhattan. Consistent with the Agency’s in-person mandate, this position will be expected to report to work in-office four days a week.

Responsibilities

Lead Functions:

• Ensuring accurate and timely distribution of agency clips to staff, senior leadership and the Port Authority board. 
• Drafting the agency’s weekly travel advisory. 
• Handle incoming from the media, with a focus on managing the many requests for journalists to access our facilities, such as the airports, the midtown bus terminal and the PATH system. 
• Staffing public and internal events on behalf of Media Relations. 
• Responding to press inquiries as assigned. 
• Supporting the Press Secretary as they handle inquiries from the media. 
• Managing the relationship with a Port Authority department, proactively helping plan their press needs and drafting necessary collateral. 
• Owning the administrative duties of the Office of Media Relations, such as sending and posting press releases, updating our press list, and managing subscriptions. 
• Handling website updates for Media Relations. 
• Other duties as assigned, including special projects. 
• As part of the Media Relations team, you will work in an environment where breaking news events dictate daily priorities. Flexibility is essential, as on-site, on-call, evening and weekend work will be necessary.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must present the following qualifications to be considered for this position:   

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.  
• Superior written and oral communication skills, including critical thinking, writing, editing and consistent attention to detail. 
• Superior organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.  
• Excellent understanding of the current media landscape and the political landscape the Port Authority operates within. 
• Passionate about a career in public service. 
• Team player with effective teamwork and communications skills for collaboration within the Media Relations team and with staff at various levels across the agency. 

Desired Qualifications

• 1-2 years’ experience in communications, journalism or public relations, including internship experience. 
• Strong interest in transit, infrastructure, transportation and urban planning issues and policies.   
• Previous on-the-record experience. 
• Technical competency using Microsoft programs such as SharePoint, PowerPoint, Teams, etc. 
• Working knowledge of AP style.  

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s).  Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.​ Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.​

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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipate that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors. The expected compensation range for this role is:​

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Minimum: $50,128 Midpoint: $65,158 Maximum: $80,184

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week, subject to operational and business needs.