Public Information Officer (Assistant Director)

Description

Duties Description

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of Legislative and External Affairs (Director of Public Information), the Assistant Director Public Information Officer will serve as the agency’s Public Information Officer and will plan, direct, and coordinate the agency’s communication, media, public relations, marketing, and strategic initiative operations. The incumbent is responsible for formulating and implementing policies with respect to all agency internal and external communication and media relations,

public relations, and marketing.

This Position Is Responsible For

• Advising the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioners in handling sensitive matters which have the potential to significantly affect agency policy, budget and programs.
• Answering media inquiries, and writing press statements, working with Executive team to deliver accurate information and prepare agency staff for media interviews.
• Writing remarks, speeches, testimonies, and presentations conveying the agency’s mission and goals.
• Writing position papers, press releases, proclamations, newsletter articles, social media posts, and legislative hearing statements.
• Drafting and editing content for agency publications.
• Overseeing the production of video and audio content.
• Reviewing agency responses to press inquiries and FOIL requests; and ensuring alignment with agency communication policies and procedures.
• Monitoring staff assignments to ensure timely and accurate responses to press requests, news releases and conferences, and presentations.
• Directing agency news conference and interview arrangements.
• Formulating overall media strategy to advance the agency’s mission, oversight and initiatives and providing advice and counsel to agency executive staff regarding media relations.
• Develop and implement communication strategies during crisis, ensuring accurate and appropriate messaging.
• Developing and recommending to the Commissioner and Executive Deputy Commissioner policies and activities for expanded media relations and public education in alignment with the Administration’s position and the agency’s mission.
• Coordinating media activities with the Governor’s press office, other State agencies, and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and four years of relevant experience.*

• Substitutions: four years of relevant experience or associate’s degree and two years of relevant experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of relevant experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of relevant experience.
  
  

Additional Comments

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program
  
  

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