STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Press Secretary

Executive Assistant 1

Recruitment #251117-3501EX-001

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Introduction


The State of Connecticut, Secretary of the State (SOTS) is seeking a skilled, mission-driven communicator to serve as Press Secretary (Executive Assistant 1). This role leads media outreach, shapes messaging, and supports communication across all divisions, including Elections and Business Services. The ideal candidate writes with the clarity of a journalist, thinks with the strategy of a communications professional, and thrives in a fast-paced environment where good judgment, accuracy, and creativity matter.

FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE STATE
Secretary Stephanie Thomas is committed to strengthening Connecticut by ensuring the public can trust, access, and understand the services her office provides. Her priorities include safeguarding elections, supporting businesses, and empowering residents to navigate government and advocate for themselves. She is focused on removing barriers to participation and making sure communities have the information they need. The Press Secretary plays a vital role in advancing these priorities and communicating the impact of the office’s work statewide.

The Press Secretary is the office’s media lead and primary storyteller. Working closely with the Communications Director, the Press Secretary helps execute a comprehensive communications strategy that elevates the work of the Secretary and the agency. Core responsibilities include managing day-to-day media relations, building relationships with reporters, drafting high-quality written materials, preparing the Secretary for media interactions, and supporting communications needs across Elections, Business Services, and other divisions. As part of the Executive Team, you’ll join a collaborative, high-performing group where the pace is quick, expectations are high, and the work truly matters.

WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • Comprehensive health and dental insurance, providing you with peace of mind and access to quality healthcare.
  • Robust pension plan and supplemental retirement offerings to secure your financial future.
  • Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, personal days, and 13 holidays per calendar year.
  • We are an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, which means you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.
  • A culture that recognizes the importance of work/life balance and offers alternate work schedules and telecommuting options.
  • Opportunities to invest in your professional growth and development with training programs, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for advancement within the State of Connecticut.
  • Connecticut is a strong community with a lot to offer in entertainment, food and shopping, recreation in our beautiful state parks and forests, diverse culture, and rich history. Learn more about all Connecticut has to offer.
POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
  • Full-Time, 40 hours per week
  • Monday through Friday
  • Location: Hartford, CT
  • Hybrid (office/telework) may be available
THIS JOB IS FOR YOU IF
  • You can quickly distill complex information, including proposed legislation and election procedures, into clear, accurate, and accessible language for the public, policymakers, and the media.
  • You are a strong writer and communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and command of grammar, punctuation, tone, and style.
  • You think strategically and creatively about messaging and use media, communications, and digital tools to craft effective messages, develop compelling content, and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • You are comfortable creating and editing digital content, including graphics, short videos, and social media posts that engage diverse audiences and extend the reach of the office.
  • You believe in the mission Office of the Secretary of the State, from safeguarding elections to supporting businesses, and you want to help communicate that work clearly and effectively to the people of Connecticut.
  • You want to do work that matters, are motivated by public service, and thrive as part of a collaborative team committed to strengthening Connecticut.
DISCOVER THE OPPORTUNITY TO
  • Write and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, op-eds, newsletters, and legislative testimony;
  • Manage daily media relations, respond to inquiries, and maintain strong relationships with reporters; 
  • Support the Secretary at press events, including logistics, materials, and on-site coordination; 
  • Help implement media, public relations, and communications strategies that elevate the Secretary’s priorities and public outreach;
  • Track media coverage, distribute daily clips, and maintain press distribution lists;
  • Monitor state and national issues, including legislative proposals that may require public communication; 
  • Plan and post social media content and monitor trends that inform the office’s messaging;
  • Work closely with the Communications Director on message development and overall strategy;
  • Take on additional responsibilities as needed in a dynamic environment where priorities shift quickly.
ABOUT US
The Office of the Secretary of the State provides a wide range of services to the people and businesses of Connecticut. We serve as the state’s repository of key public records and provide information and resources related to business filings, elections, and authentications as required by the constitution and state and federal law. We also work to strengthen business development, broaden civic participation, and support communities through information, education, and engagement.

Selection Plan

Check out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process. 

BEFORE YOU APPLY
  • Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications in your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.  
  • Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency. 
  • Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in them not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift. 
  • Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State.  Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing Emily.Kennedy@ct.gov.
  • Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other. 
  • Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting. 
AFTER YOU APPLY
  • Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).   
  • Prepare For an Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression! 
  • Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.  
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, but your application may be considered for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics. 
CONNECT WITH US
  • Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. 
  • If you have any questions about this recruitment, please contact Emily Kennedy at Emily.Kennedy@ct.gov.  
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn to stay updated on our career opportunities and news.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

Acts as an executive assistant to a state elective officer or department head as defined in Section 4-5 of the Connecticut General Statutes and performs such duties as are assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience producing clear and accurate communications under tight deadlines, including writing audience-appropriate press releases, talking points, speeches, testimony, and rapid-response materials for a high-level executive or elected official.
  • Experience applying editorial judgment to translate complex information, such as legislation, policy, or election procedures, into accurate, accessible language for the public, media, or other stakeholders.
  • Experience developing and implementing strategic communications, including tailoring messages for multiple audiences, media platforms, and internal teams or divisions.
  • Experience working in fast-moving or high-pressure environments, including shifting between quick-turnaround writing and longer-form content while maintaining consistency in clarity, tone, and style.
  • Experience interacting with media outlets, including responding to press inquiries, preparing briefing materials, coordinating event logistics, and maintaining working relationships with reporters.
  • Experience creating digital content for public use, including graphics, short-form videos, and social media posts, using tools such as Canva or similar production platforms.
  • Experience using Microsoft 365 applications to draft, coordinate, track, and distribute communications, including support for rapid-response messaging and cross-team collaboration.

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, disability, age, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, LGBTQ identification, family status, or military status. Women, people of color, veterans, persons with disabilities and other members of traditionally underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

As defined by Sec. 5-196 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a job class is a position or group of positions that share general characteristics and are categorized under a single title for administrative purposes.  As such, a job class is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task and/or responsibility.




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