Director of Communications - Albany

Description

Duties Description

The Office of Communications at the Department of Labor (DOL) is responsible for all internal and external agency communications. The Office works in coordination across the agency to amplify the work the Department does on behalf of all New York workers and employers.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner of Communications, the Director of Communications will assist in planning, directing, and coordinating the agency’s internal and external communications strategy. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing a team of approximately 30 with varying expertise including press management, social media, videography/photography, graphic design, external and internal digital communications, and government relations.

Director Of Communications Is Responsible For

• Advising the Deputy Commissioner in handling sensitive matters which have the potential to significantly affect agency policy and reputation.
• Developing and implementing an integrated communications strategy in a holistic, data-driven, and customer-focused manner.
• Establish communication policies and procedures to align with agency communication practices.
• Reviewing agency press responses and releases, social media posts, graphic design, video production, and digital communications to ensure alignment with agency communication policies, procedures, messaging, and branding.
• Recommending activities for expanded media relations, public education, and government relations in alignment with the Administration’s position and the agency’s mission.
• Working with the Associate Commissioner of Marketing to raise the profile of agency initiatives.
• Coordinating media activities with the Governor’s press office, other State agencies, and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities.
• Tracking the effectiveness of key initiatives, campaigns, and programs/events to inform future implementation practices.
• Strengthening working relationships among staff while offering guidance and professional development opportunities to enhance their skills and career growth
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Eleven (11) years of experience in journalism, public relations, social media, or digital communications, four (4) years of which must have included program management or supervision of professional staff*

• Substitution: Associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in Communications, English, Public Relations, Social Media, Digital Communications, Journalism or a similar degree substitutes for two, four, or five years, respectively.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Exceptional management skills and the ability to make strategic decisions pertaining to staff and procedures.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining coalitions and relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
• Effective written and oral communication and high degree of responsiveness
• Be creative, adaptable, resourceful, and politically astute.
• Critical decision-making skills, with the ability to process information and commit to a definite course of action.
• Proven ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and maintain humor and grace under pressure.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to create inclusive, diverse, and safe workspaces and programs.
  
  

Additional Comments

If you are a current NYS employee and have questions regarding salary, please contact the Business Services Center (BSC): 518-457-4272, BSCHR@ogs.ny.gov.

Telecommuting will be discussed during the interview.

We Offer a Comprehensive Benefits Package, Including

• 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave (CSEA and PEF employees- 13 days; M/C employees- 8 days plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage).
• Choice of several affordable and competitive health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans at no additional cost
• Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System
• NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (full-time employees)
• Eligibility to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses
• Paid Parental Leave
  
  

Our mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers—the workers and business that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find careers they will love. We build and support New York’s businesses. We empower and protect New York’s workers. To learn more about our mission and the exciting work of the DOL, please visit: https://dol.ny.gov/about-us

DOL is committed to fostering employee engagement and work-life balance. We offer telecommuting (up to 40%) and alternative work schedules to eligible employees. Our exciting training and development opportunities, including Coursera and our formal Employee Recognition Program allow us to develop, recognize, and celebrate our workforce.

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, length of State service, and program area.