DOE's press chief leaving to become Rupert Murdoch's top aide

The Department of Education’s press office will be getting a new director in less than two weeks.

Natalie Ravitz, the department’s communications director since June 2010, is leaving to become chief of staff to Rupert Murdoch, the CEO of News Corporation. Her last day at the department will be Feb. 10.

Ravitz is following a well-worn path from the department to NewsCorp: Ex-schools chief Joel Klein, who was chancellor when Ravitz was hired, now heads the company’s growing education division. Last summer, Klein picked Kristen Kane, the department’s former chief operating officer, to become the division’s COO. He also acquired Wireless Generation, the technology company that developed and managed ARIS, the city’s school data warehouse.

After years in political communications, Ravitz arrived at the department during the summer of 2010 and shepherded its press operations through two abrupt changes in departmental leadership. She succeeded David Cantor, who held the job for longer than any of his predecessors before leaving for the private sector.

“Natalie has been an integral part of my cabinet and close confidante since I took over as chancellor, and I want to thank her for her sharp insight, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing our education agenda,” Chancellor Dennis Walcott said in a statement.

No word yet about the department’s plans to replace Ravitz. A citywide hiring freeze has limited virtually all hiring to internal candidates since last fall.

The city’s full press release about Ravitz’s departure is below.

CHANCELLOR WALCOTT ANNOUNCES THE DEPARTURE OF COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR NATALIE RAVITZ Schools Chancellor Dennis M. Walcott today announced the departure of Natalie Ravitz, Communications Director for the Department of Education, who is leaving to become the Chief of Staff to Mr. Rupert Murdoch, the Chairman and CEO of News Corporation. Ravitz joined the Department of Education in June 2010 under then-Chancellor Joel Klein. “Natalie has been an integral part of my cabinet and close confidante since I took over as Chancellor, and I want to thank her for her sharp insight, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing our education agenda,” Chancellor Walcott said. “We will miss her, but wish her nothing but the best as she begins this exciting new journey.” “Working with the talented people here at the Department of Education and City Hall has been an incredible experience,” Ravitz said. “I leave with great admiration and affection for my colleagues, and in particular for Chancellor Walcott and Mayor Bloomberg, who have allowed me to be a part of their amazing efforts to transform New York City’s school system. While I am sad to say goodbye, I am very excited to begin this new challenge with one of the most dynamic companies in the world.” Ravitz’s last day at the Department of Education will be February 10th.