Special Assistant (Executive Director of the Office of Language Access) - VID 180549

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description About OGS: The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for state government operations. We are a diversified organization that delivers a broad spectrum of services to state agencies, local governments, and the public, including building management and maintenance services for 49 major office complexes and buildings statewide, including the state Capitol; managing leases of privately held real estate used for state purposes; architectural, engineering, and construction management services, hosting cultural programs at our facilities, and more. OGS facilitates the work of New York State agencies, the Legislature, and the Judiciary and supports local governments, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. The agency provides services by developing and managing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable programs and activities. Critical services are delivered by partnering with New York State businesses and presenting them with significant economic opportunities through their participation in state contracts administered by OGS for commodities, services, and technology.The New York State Office of Language Access (OLA) was established in October 2022. The statewide OLA provides critical oversight and coordination across State agencies to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the NYS Language Access Law.About the role: Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Administration, the Executive Director will lead the OLA and ensure the State is providing linguistically and culturally appropriate services to New Yorkers who have limited English proficiency when accessing public state services. The Executive Director will oversee, coordinate, and provide guidance to the executive state agencies in implementing language access mandates and best practices, as well as ensure a cost-effective provision of services. Specific duties of this role will include, but not be limited to, the following: Leadership and Management: • Provide visionary leadership to a diverse team of managers and staff within the Office of Language Access, fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performance culture.• Manage and oversee operations across the Office, including setting and communicating strategic direction, establishing service level targets and benchmarks, and setting annual performance goals.• Set clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and provide constructive feedback to ensure team effectiveness and accountability.• Align staffing and divisional goals with the OGS strategic plan, vision, and legislative mandates.• Lead and mentor subordinate leaders and team members, offering guidance and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and career growth.• Oversee annual planning and annual budget and spending plan, including personal and non-personal service requirements. • Lead staffing and selection for critical positions within the office.Office Operations: Lead and drive high-level performance for OLA: • Statewide Language Access Administration. Directing and managing the provision of statewide language access services at executive state agencies through development of partnerships with advocacy groups, local government, private sector, and other stakeholders to assist with the provision of state language access services. Advising the Governor on improvements to the statewide language access policy and meeting and communicating, on a regular basis, with agencies’ Language Access Coordinators to advise on best practices and assist with agency-specific implementation needs. Creating mechanisms to regularly monitor statewide implementation, including tracking language access complaints submitted by the public and monitoring opportunities for improvement of contracted services to share with Procurement.• Policy Development. Overseeing development of policies and procedures, including vetting temporary personnel and contractors, such as interpreters and auxiliary services. Managing the development of policy proposals and anticipating need for services by examining data and statistical trends. Overseeing the streamlining of existing policies and guidelines to enhance and standardize practices across the state, factoring in proposed legislation and policy changes impacting the provision of language access services in the state. Overseeing the publication of updated agencies’ Language Access Plans in the frequency established by the legislation. • Provision of Services. Identifying new services, technologies, and practices to incorporate into the provision of services, and leading best-value contracts’ negotiations. Conducting assessments of services provided across state agencies and identifying areas of improvements. Providing centralized language access training to agencies’ staff. Building of strong relationships with vendors to ensure efficient delivery of Language Access services and liaising with localities, state, and federal counterparts to share resources and best practices. Goal Setting, Management, and Support: • Advising the Deputy Commissioner on matters related to OLA operations and making recommendations to optimize performance.• Formulating policies and procedures necessary to effectively operate OLA directives. This includes the development and management of customer/stakeholder relationships, implementing work performance enhancements, instituting efficient operational practices, and ensuring compliance with applicable rules and regulations.• Monitoring and tracking the execution of key initiatives and projects, including those related to language access and culturally responsive services. • Overseeing and performing analysis of Office operations and programs, including benchmarking against similar programs, creating clear standards for performance, preparing reports for executive review, and making operational adjustments to adjust to changes and trends.• In partnership with the OGS Data Analytics Office, using data, analytics, and performance measurement to monitor key operations, determine program and initiative success, and promote a data-driven culture within OLA.• Evaluating and assessing the strengths and deficiencies of OLA’s workforce, recommending adjustments where appropriate. In partnership with Human Resources, acts as a key player in the identification and implementation of succession strategies to address workforce gaps.• Representing OGS with the Governor’s Office, Legislature, other State agencies, and public on behalf of the Deputy Commissioner for Administration as appropriate.

The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies related to immigrant communities, individuals with limited English proficiency, and/or culturally responsive programming for people whose preferred language is not English. Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues and nuances. Fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and oral comprehension of at least one language spoken by the New Yorkers with limited English proficiency and command of the English language, both written and spoken, is required. Substitutions: Eleven years of relevant work experience, OR Associate degree and nine years of relevant work experience.Candidates with a J.D. or master's degree may be credited with one year of specialized experience; candidates with a Ph.D. may be credited with two years of specialized experience. Preferred Qualifications: • Exceptional management skills and ability to make strategic decisions pertaining to staff and procedures across a complex set of business functions.• Ability to delegate authority and responsibility while maintaining appropriate levels of operational control.• Effective communication and responsiveness with advanced written and oral communication skills, and a high degree of responsiveness.• Critical decision-making skills with the ability to process information and commit to a definite course of action.• Ability to be creative, adaptable, resourceful, and politically astute.Note: Some travel is required. Must possess a valid New York State driver’s license.

Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments PLEASE NOTE: This position is temporary pending approval from the Civil Service Commission for permanent appointment. The Office of General Services (OGS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants from all communities to apply. For a full version of OGS’s EEO/AA statement and benefits joining Team #OneOGS, please visit http://www.ogs.ny.gov/employment.

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