What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director of Public Information position at New York State Department of Agriculture and...?
Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.
Position Information:
The Associate Director of Public Information will report to the Director of Public Information and will be located at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY. This position will assist in the development and implementation of a media relations plan, priorities, and systems that meet the present and future needs of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The selected candidate will be responsible for performing the full range of public information and communications activities required, such as preparing written and audiovisual materials used in promoting or publicizing the State Fair’s program and will be assigned special projects in collaboration with the Department’s Executive Staff, Division Directors, and Executive Chamber staff. The Associate Director of Public Information will need to have excellent communication in all facets including verbal, written, and visual communication. This position will spearhead external communications and promotions as it relates to the New York State Fair, including promotion of the 13-day New York State Fair and various year-round events taking place on the Fairgrounds. It will require the incumbent to possess strong leadership ability, experience in crisis communications, and a high degree of professionalism.
This is a full-time, permanent, exempt-class position offering a 37.5-hour work week, Monday-Friday, with potential for weekend, evening and extended work hours as needed. Section 41(1) of the Civil Service Law provides that the Exempt Class shall include "all other offices or positions for which the Civil Service Commission has determined it is not practicable to fill by competitive or non-competitive examination." Employees in the exempt-class work at the pleasure of the appointing authority and their positions are not tenure-bearing. Approval for appointment to this position will go through the Budget Director Approval (BDA) process, including a fingerprint background check.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assists the Director in the strategic development, coordination, and execution of the Fair’s external communications.
- Develops a communications and public relations plan that meets the present and future needs of both the Department and the Divisions, particularly the State Fair.
- Assists in the development of a robust marketing and advertising plan for the Fair and the Fair’s year-round facilities’ rental business.
Salary and Benefits:
This position is located at 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209. We offer a professional and comfortable working environment with ample free parking. This PEF bargaining-unit represented position offers a competitive annual salary range of $90,931-$114,940, with excellent benefits. Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays!
As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in public information, public relations, communications, or marketing capacity.
Substitutions: Four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
How to Apply:
Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to this opportunity must use the below link to apply by May 2, 2025. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.
If you have any questions, please contact Amy Sacco in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov.
Additional Position Information:
Division: Public Information Office
Negotiating Unit: PEF
Location: New York State Fair; Syracuse, NY
Number of Vacancies: One
Status of Vacancy: Full-time; Permanent
Hours Per Week: 37.5 hours
Jurisdictional Class: Exempt
Civil Service List(s): No Eligible List Exists
Salary : $90,931 - $114,940
