Job Responsibilities
I write speeches, press releases, proclamations, letters, and
prepare events. This takes up most of my day. I am also liaison
on PR issues to Police, Neighborhood Services, and Engineering.
I am also a member of the Emergency Operations, Homeland
Security, and Holocaust Observance Committees. They take up
about a fifth of my time.
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Job Requirements
My graduate program did not relate much to my work, beyond
giving me more insights into writing and writing technique.
However, it doesn't surface much in my press releases, and only
occasionally in my speeches. I would advise someone seeking my
job to major in political science.
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Uppers
The best part of the job for me is the opportunity to serve my neighbors and
city in a positive manner...I communicate our programs, honor deserving citizens,
write speeches and press releases that announce programs that affect the lives of
our residents. It is a great emotional reward for me, much better than simply
enhancing some egotistic business leader's personal profits.
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Downers
I deal with both the job and as a father. The pay is low compared to the private
sector, working conditions pretty primitive compared with the private sector, as
is the technology. Many of my co-workers outside of
my office are essentially civil service drones, with one eye on
the pension, the other on the vacation schedule. I also deal
with a lot of fatuous public requests and argumentative people.
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Lifestyle
There is no business travel beyond the Newark borders. The dress code is
professional, but black sneakers are acceptable. Jacket is not necessary, but tie
is. Essentially you have to look sharp and professional. The work is 8-5, but
emergency situations like 9/11, the aircrash on Kent Street, major police
arrests, the Mayor's annual State of the City Speech, make it much longer. You
have to be ready for last-minute assignments and sudden changes, as well as
bizarre and unrealistic requests and orders. Flexibility is important. The work
staff is extremely diverse, but the place is basically run by deeply religious
folks, so do not argue religion or science with them. You must develop empathy
for all ethnicities and their perspectives. We used to have an annual Christmas
dinner, but that was canked last year. Other social events require you to buy
$200 tickets, so I don't go. I'd rather be with my family anyway. We have a
residency requirement, so if you want the job, you MUST live in Newark. The City
has a $5,000 grant program if you want to buy a house in the city, which helps.
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Compensation
I get paid $51,000 a year. That's it. No bonuses, no stock
options. There is a good health plan, with open enrollment every
October, 12 days vacation, 15 days sick time, one personal day,
and a decent pension plan. Public sector.
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Advice to Jobseekers
You must have empathy and concern for the mission and your
colleagues. Your job is to serve the citizens of Newark and the
mayor and his agenda. It behooves you to be efficient,
professional in all things, work hard, work quickly, and be
responsive to your clientele: the media, department directors,
supervisors, the mayor. Check your ego at the door. As for job
outlook...I'm a political appointee, so when the mayor is gone,
so am I.
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