*_Who We Are:_* The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) seeks to protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.   Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location, can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition. *_Who We Are as an Employer:_* At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents. *_Agency Description:_* The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. The DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place through carrying out the mission. DCR’s Communications Division works to inform and engage with the public about DCR’s offerings, achievements and the great work the agency does every day to improve the well-being of residents across the state. The Division works with staff across the agency to manage the development and implementation of all of the agency’s internal and external communications, public facing documents, events, messaging, media relations, and social media. *_Job Opening:_* The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for a Press Secretary – Program Manager III to perform the following duties: The Press Secretary will work in the high-volume Communications Office for the state’s park system. DCR is the largest landowner in Massachusetts, managing parks, green space, beaches, pools and trails in addition to water supply protection, dam safety and wildfire control across Massachusetts, and as such, we plan events across the state and handle a variety of radio, print and TV requests from regional and statewide reporters. The Communications Team works to educate the public, stakeholders, partners and the media about how the agency works to build healthy families and improve the quality of life in communities across the state. This person will report to and support the Communications Director and Deputy Communications Director. DCR is looking for a creative hardworking person, who is able to multi-task, and is passionate about public service. *Primary Duties: * The Press Secretary will be a core member of the organization’s Communications Team ensuring that DCR’s objectives and achievements are communicated effectively to the media and the public through strong messaging. Reporting to and partnering with the Director of Communications, the Press Secretary will focus on media outreach including responding to media inquiries, pitching stories, distributing press releases and media advisories, managing press events, and attending public meetings. The Press Secretary is a strong writer who will draft concise and informative press releases, traffic and media advisories, and other press materials; pitch media positive and engaging stories on DCR; draft creative talking points for the Commissioner and DCR staff; staff interviews; help create and maintain an editorial calendar; draft/edit copy for DCR publications, brochures, letters, newsletters, and other materials; and compile daily press clips for circulation to DCR staff. Additionally, the Press Secretary will work with the Communications Director, Deputy Communications Director, Digital Strategist, and other department staff on ideas for fun, creative ways to engage with the public on DCR’s social media accounts and through various forms of media. The Press Secretary must have the ability to prioritize, multitask, and shift gears quickly while working on tight deadlines. Large volumes of correspondence and communications must be reviewed and shared with quick turnarounds. It is essential that all press/publication deadlines be met, and that the public be kept up to date on DCR’s mission and initiatives. Messaging produced for media outreach and press releases is intended to build DCR’s image and strengthen its brand recognition. If the Director of Communications and Deputy Director are unavailable, the Press Secretary must be able to stand in and give prompt, effective, and informed responses. Work environment involves working in an office setting and attending off site meetings. Position will involve traveling to DCR properties across the state for media interviews and public events. This role includes occasional work on nights and weekends to answer media inquiries or respond to emergency situations like winter storm events. Additionally, the Press Secretary is expected to monitor their work phone after hours. *PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS* 1. Professional experience three to five years in communications or journalism including preferably experience in media relations. Experience in government communications is a plus. 2. The highly motivated candidate must be a team playerwith a demonstrated ability to take complicated material and present it clearly and concisely for general audiences. Ability to champion effective agency branding, ensuring that materials include consistent agency messaging. 3. Must be a strong and quick writer who is able to write effectively on a deadline while balancing multiple priorities. 4. Proven ability to work independently under minimal supervision and troubleshoot and develop solutions and make recommendations. 5. Passion for public service and knowledge and interest in state government and environmental policy preferred. 6. Ability to support and train staff to act as effective spokespeople for the agency during media interviews. 7. Diplomatic and politically astute with the ability to navigate in a fast-paced and evolving environment under high scrutiny. 8. Demonstrated ability to craft press releases, media statements, talking points and Power Point presentations. Must have solid internet-based research skills (especially for gathering news clippings), and familiarity with Microsoft Office suite: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and some Access. Resume and cover letter are required. *MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:* Applicants must have at least (A) four (4) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, professional internship, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in: business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below. Substitutions: I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. II. An Associate's degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience. III. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience. IV. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required experience. V. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for the required experience. _*Comprehensive Benefits*_ When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future. Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards! *An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.* The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role. **Job:** **Administrative Services* **Organization:** **Department of Conservation & Recreation* **Title:** *Program Manager III - Press Secretary* **Location:** *Massachusetts-10 Park Plaza* **Requisition ID:** *250002AE*