DEP - PRESS SECRETARY - 37020323

Requisition No: 853206 

Agency: Environmental Protection

Working Title: DEP - PRESS SECRETARY - 37020323

 Pay Plan: SES

Position Number: 37020323 

Salary:  $60,000 to $70,000 

Posting Closing Date: 06/30/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

“PRESS SECRETARY”
SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST II

State of Florida

Department of Environmental Protection

This position is located in Tallahassee, FL

Position Overview and Responsibilities:

The “Press Secretary” serves as DEP’s lead spokesperson and is responsible for developing clear, concise and accurate messaging, while adhering to a robust internal review process.  This includes writing timely press releases, media advisories, proactive/reactive media statements, feature stories, letters to the editor, Op-eds and fact sheets that are disseminated to the public, media, lawmakers, businesses and other interested parties.

This position assists the Communications Director with the formulation, development, and coordination of policies associated with the external communication functions of DEP which includes being privy to and consulted on sensitive and confidential information, policies, and procedures.

This position is the liaison between the “Press Office” and Divisions/Districts/Offices within DEP, specifically being the lead for communications relating to the Divisions of Waste, Water, Air, and all Regulatory Districts. The incumbent will manage the “Deputy Press Secretary” and will work closely with the identified District/Division/Office “Public Information Officers” on issue released communications plans and media responses. This position is responsible for developing positive relationships with statewide print, radio and TV outlets and identify media opportunities and strategies to proactively communicate information to the public.

This position works closely with the “Deputy Press Secretary” to:

• Communicate and summarize contact with members of the media in a daily media contacts.
• Manage and update the Secretary’s Public Affairs Network (SPAN) tracking system.
• Manage and update electronic media databases and distribution lists.
• Compile and file daily electronic news clips and daily and weekly media reports.  Manages DEP’s archive of news articles.
• Answer phone calls received in the “Press Office” and assists at the Emergency Operations Center, as a DEP representative when needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrate strong writing and editing skills, knowledge of correct grammar usage and AP Style, ability to be a positive team player and work well with others, ability to maintain a strong work ethic, be detailed oriented, organized and multi-task on various work products.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of verifiable professional experience in media relations, public relations, journalism, or strategic communications.  Post-secondary degrees may be used as an alternative for the required years of experience on a year-for-year basis. A credential evaluation report from an approved agency must be submitted along with all foreign degrees.

Position of Special Trust Requirement:

This position is designated as a Position of Special Trust in accordance with DEP Directive 422, Positions of Special Trust or Responsibility. Successful completion of background screening will be required for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least 2 years of related work experience

Pay:

$60,000 to $70,000

Our Organization and Mission:

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship - protecting our air, water and land. The vision of DEP is to advance Florida’s position as a world leader in protecting natural resources while growing the state’s economy. DEP encourages its leaders to constantly innovate and seek efficiencies. We believe in supporting and encouraging you as you take on important and often complex projects while offering you the opportunity to gain valuable experience quickly.

Where You Will Work:

Tallahassee, Florida’s Capital City, lined with rolling hills, oak trees, and canopied roads combine old world charm with a modern pace of life. Home to two major universities as well as state government, Tallahassee is a mid-sized city in the heart of Florida’s Big Bend. Tallahassee is a highly desirable location for both those seeking their first job or those ready to enter the next exciting chapter in their career.

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida:

Working for the State of Florida is more than a paycheck. The State’s total compensation package for employees features a highly competitive set of employee benefits including:

• Annual and Sick Leave benefits;
• Nine paid holidays and one Personal Holiday each year;
• State Group Insurance coverage options, including health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental insurance options;
• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (For more information, please click www.myfrs.com);
• Tuition waivers;
• Total Compensation Estimator Tool
• And more!

For a complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com

Special Notes:                                                                                                                                                                                      

DEP is committed to successfully recruiting and onboarding talented and skilled individuals into its workforce. We recognize the extensive training, experience, and transferable skills that veterans and individuals with disabilities bring to the workforce. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact our recruiter for guidance and answers to questions through the following email addresses:

HR_VeteransPreference@dep.state.fl.us

HR_Recruitment@FloridaDEP.gov

An individual with a disability is qualified if he or she satisfies the skills, experience, and other job-related requirements for a position and can perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must contact the DEP Human Resources (HR) Office at (850) 245-2511. DEP requests applicants notify HR in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.