Public Information Specialist 1 (NY HELPS) - VID 180320

Description

Duties Description

The incumbent of this position will work both internally and externally to create consistent messaging using various communication vehicles to create positive relationships with federal, state, local legislatures, community groups and staff.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Assist with arranging press conferences, seminars, public hearings, and other informational gatherings.
• Draft press releases, advisories, and Gov Deliveries (email marketing communications) for items related to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).
• Answer inquiries from the public and news media concerning the Office of Cannabis Management’s programs.
• Draft and post OCM content on social media channels.
• Monitor agency’s social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).
• May prepare displays, speeches or presentations for use at conference, seminars, and training sessions.
• Participate in strategic communications planning initiatives that incorporate traditional and digital communications channels and platforms.
• Help develop, manage, and execute public affairs campaigns working across teams including external affairs, policy, operations, and legal that are informed by the Cannabis Public Affairs Press and Community Outreach Coordinator.
• Manage and support workstreams for multiple projects, including by setting priorities and timelines and working closely with the communications team to support the proper deployment of resources.
• Develop content, including press releases and narratives told through digital platforms, and work with stakeholders to support community outreach, public education campaigns and tell the story of the Office, the Cannabis Control Board, and the new cannabis industry New York State is building.
• Work directly with press officer to place and inform stories.
• Support the Office’s work and strengthen public education and affairs campaigns with rapid response and crisis communications strategies.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS)* and applicants must meet the following minimum qualifications to be considered for this position:

A bachelor’s degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing and two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media.

OR

A master’s degree or higher in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing and one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media.

OR

Six years of experience in public or governmental relations, an/or in writing or producing content for various media.

This title includes a traineeship opportunity and applicants will be appointed to the appropriate level** based on their experience and education.

• Public Information Specialist 1 level requirements:
• Public Information Specialist Trainee 1 (equated to SG-14): specialized bachelor or higher degree.
• Public Information Specialist Trainee 2 (equated to SG-16): specialized bachelor or higher degree and one year of required experience.
• Public Information Specialist 1, SG-18: specialized bachelor or higher degree and two years of required experience, OR a master’s degree and one year of required experience, OR six years of required experience listed above.
  
  

Applicants may also be appointed to this position if currently reachable on the appropriate eligible list for this title OR are a current New York State employee with one year or more of qualifying permanent service in a title eligible for transfer under Section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments

• There is no examination required for appointment to a NY HELPS position. Candidates hired via NY HELPS will be appointed on a permanent non-competitive basis and will begin a probationary period.
  
  

At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected that NY HELPS employees will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to take an exam. Employees will then be afforded with all the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants for all communities to apply. For a full version of OCM’s EEO/AA statement and benefits of joining OCM, please visit: About | Office of Cannabis Management (ny.gov).

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Note

• Travel may be required (approximately 20%), including during evening and weekends, depending on mission and assignment.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is required, or otherwise demonstrate the capacity to meet the transportation needs of the job.