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Press Secretary Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

FastTek

Administrative Assistant

Lansing, MI

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

... secretarial, or data entry tasks. * Tasks may include: typing, filing, taking dictation, data entry ... FastTek Global was named one of the Top Work Places in Michigan by the Detroit Free Press in 2013 ...

All JobsPress Secretary JobsPress Secretary Jobs in Michigan

Press Secretary information

See Michigan salary details

$37K

$76K

$102K

How much do press secretary jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for press secretary in Michigan is $75,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $82,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a press secretary do?

A press secretary works for a government agency, industry, or organization and helps their employer communicate with the public. These public relations professionals perform similar responsibilities as public affairs specialists but are often more knowledgeable on the law, politics, and government. As a press secretary, your job duties include answering questions from reporters, writing press releases and speeches, planning meetings, and presenting information to the media to improve the organization’s public image.

What does a press secretary do?

A Press Secretary serves as the primary spokesperson for an organization, government office, or political figure. They are responsible for managing media relations, preparing press releases, organizing press conferences, and responding to inquiries from journalists. The Press Secretary ensures that the organization's message is communicated clearly and effectively to the public and the media. Additionally, they often advise leadership on public relations strategies and help shape the public image of their employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a press secretary?

To thrive as a Press Secretary, you need expertise in media relations, public communications, and a background in journalism, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and content management systems is typically required. Exceptional verbal and written communication, crisis management, and interpersonal skills help build strong relationships with journalists and stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for effectively managing an organization's public image and ensuring clear, consistent messaging during both routine and high-pressure situations.

What are some common challenges press secretaries face when managing media relations during a crisis?

Press Secretaries often encounter significant pressure during crises, as they must balance transparency with protecting sensitive information. Coordinating consistent messaging across multiple departments and responding quickly to rapidly evolving situations are key challenges. Additionally, they must maintain trust with journalists while ensuring the organization's reputation is safeguarded. Staying calm under pressure and having strong crisis communication strategies are essential for success in this role.

What is the difference between Press Secretary vs Communications Specialist?

AspectPress SecretaryCommunications Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field; experience in media relationsBachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related field; strong writing and media skills
Work EnvironmentPress briefings, media events, government or organization officesMarketing campaigns, corporate communications departments, media outlets
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, political offices, nonprofitsCorporations, PR firms, media organizations
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve communication and media interaction, a Press Secretary primarily manages media relations and public messaging for government or organizations, often acting as the spokesperson. A Communications Specialist handles broader communication strategies, including marketing, branding, and internal communications. The roles overlap in skills and credentials but differ in focus and environment.

How much does a press secretary make annually?

The average annual salary for a press secretary in the United States is around $60,000 to $80,000, with experienced professionals earning over $100,000. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and the organization’s size and sector, such as government or private industry.

What qualifications are needed to be a press secretary?

A press secretary typically needs a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, political science, or a related field. Strong written and verbal communication skills, experience in media relations, and the ability to handle high-pressure situations are essential. Some roles may also require familiarity with social media platforms and public relations tools.
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Press Secretary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Press Secretary job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,965 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Communication Associate (Internship)

Michigan AFL-CIO

Lansing, MI • On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

Part-time, Internship

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Position: Communications Associate Internship
Reports To: Press Secretary or Graphic Designer
Job Type: Internship/Fellowship
Work Location: Hybrid (based in Lansing)
POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Communications Associate is a temporary, educational position designed to provide students with exposure to labor communications work without performing bargaining-unit duties covered by the IBT Local 243 contract. The Communications Associate focuses on learning, observation, research, and administrative support, and does not include any duties regularly or historically assigned to bargaining-unit employees.
The intern will work under close supervision and will receive hands-on learning opportunities to understand how communication supports the labor movement. Under the direction of the Press Secretary or Graphic Designer, the Communications Associate(s) will assist in developing and executing earned, owned, and digital media strategies for learning purposes.
TIME COMMITMENT & COMPENSATION
  • This is a part-time, paid opportunity.
  • Contribute a minimum of 10 hours per week, though availability for 20 hours per week is preferred.
  • Interns are expected to work 12-14 weeks on periods consistent with fall, spring, and summer college semester schedules.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications Associate internship is structured as a learning and training opportunity and is not intended to replace, supplement, or perform work assigned to bargaining-unit employees covered by the IBT Local 243 collective bargaining agreement. Responsibilities are limited to educational, observational, research, and administrative support activities performed under close supervision.
Research & Academic Support
  • Conduct background research on labor issues, public policy topics, or current events to support learning objectives.
  • Compile research summaries, media scans, or content audits for review by supervisory staff.
  • Assist with fact-checking and proofreading draft materials for learning and training purposes.

Administrative & Training-Based Assistance
  • Perform administrative tasks related to organizing digital files, tracking content calendars, or updating internal databases.
  • Assist with scheduling, organizing, or documenting communications projects for instructional purposes.
  • Support the preparation of draft materials (e.g., sample social media posts, mock press releases, or graphics) that are reviewed and finalized by non-intern staff.

Skill Development Projects
  • Complete supervised learning projects designed to build writing, editing, graphic design, or digital media skills.
  • Participate in training exercises using communications tools and platforms in a non-production capacity.
  • Receive feedback and coaching on drafts and sample work as part of professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • College students (undergraduate or masters) with minimum undergraduate sophomore standing.
  • Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to produce clear, persuasive, and compelling content per learning objectives.
  • Willingness to learn and grow communications, digital media, public affairs, political campaigns, journalism and related skill sets.
  • Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks.
  • Commitment to strengthen Michigan's labor movement.
  • Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X/Twitter, LinkedIn) and digital publishing tools.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Experience using digital organizing tools (Action Network, Mobilize, email CRMs, etc.)
  • Basic graphic design or video editing experience (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, CapCut, etc.)

Knowledge of Michigan politics, labor unions, or advocacy spaces.
HOW TO APPLY
  • Please submit the following to [email protected] with the subject line "Communications Associate Intern - Your Name": A résumé, brief cover letter, 3 writing or digital media samples (social media, press releases, op-eds, or similar from school or work). Include at least one piece of writing that exceeds a page (use an academic paper, if necessary).
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION - EEOC
Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to build diversity among our officers, staff, and members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Women, people of color, LGBTQ, veterans, and disabled candidates are encouraged to apply.
ORGANIZATION
The Michigan AFL-CIO is a non-profit federation of more than forty labor unions representing over 1 million working people across Michigan. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families-to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to our state and the nation. Employees of the Michigan AFL-CIO may work in collaboration with one, or all, of our affiliated nonprofit organizations in the Federation, including:
Michigan AFL-CIO Workforce Development Institute: our affiliated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was established to combat economic and environmental injustice by connecting the unemployed or underemployed with the training and resources necessary to find gainful employment and transition Michigan to a cleaner, greener economy.
Michigan AFL-CIO Labor Foundation: our affiliated 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit organization established to combat economic and social injustice by connecting the working people with resources within Michigan's charitable, educational and legal systems.
Michigan AFL-CIO Advocates: our affiliated 501(c)(4) non-profit organization was established to unite labor leaders, policymakers, and the public to educate and advocate for policies, programs, and projects to bring economic justice to the workplace and social justice to communities across Michigan.

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