Functional Statements > Office of Communications and Outreach

IV. Functions and Responsibilities of OCO Components

A. Immediate Office of The Assistant Secretary

The Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary provides overall leadership and policy development for the Department's efforts to engage a wide variety of groups and the public in the President and Secretary's education agenda. The office designs, develops, and coordinates specialized strategic communications, media, and outreach efforts and provides management and direction to the organization’s components. The office provides policy advice to the Secretary on communications and outreach matters, articulates the Department's message, represents the Department and Administration positions to national news media on critical and sensitive issues and develops innovative communications strategies.

Senior staff positions in the Immediate Office include the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management and the Press Secretary.

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Management is responsible for program accountability and provides overall direction, leadership to, and supervision of the career staff of the six Divisions within OCO: Conference & Event Services, National Engagement, State & Local Engagement, Digital Media and Creative Services, Press & Customer Relations, and Writing.

The Press Secretary serves as the spokesperson for the Department and for the Secretary of Education.