Senior Policy Advisor (Special Assistant) - VID 183638

Duties Description

Senior Policy Advisor is a Senior Role in the Office of Strategic Planning. Under the direction of the Associate Commissioner for Policy and Planning, the incumbent will conduct policy analysis and assessments of OGS operations and develop proposals, decision documents, and briefs to support executive-level decision-making on strategic objectives. The Senior Policy Advisor will also facilitate, lead, and monitor progress on cross-divisional initiatives and assist in implementation of the agency’s strategic plan. Duties include but are not limited to:

Policy and Operations Analysis

• Perform in-depth, self-directed research and analysis on a range of complex issues including State agency business processes and best practices and operating models related to OGS’s major workstreams.
• Develop State of the State proposals, working in conjunction with operational units.
• Conduct assessments of existing and proposed initiatives including review of key dependencies, stakeholder analysis, impacts, resources requirements, success measures, and constraints.
• Assist agency leaders in developing business cases and policy proposals related to cross-functional strategic initiatives.
• Develop briefs and presentations concisely summarizing key findings, options, and points of decision; present findings and make recommendations to agency executives.
• Lead and facilitate enterprise-wide initiatives and special projects.
  
  

Initiative Implementation and Tracking

• Lead meetings and discussions with agency leaders and other internal stakeholders on implementation of the agency’s strategic initiatives and high-priority special projects.
• Proactively coordinate with agency leaders and personnel to assess strategic initiative status and verify progress on deliverables and deadlines.
• Closely track the details and status of ongoing strategic initiatives agency-wide using standard project management tools and methods.
• Gather, interpret, and present performance data from disparate sources to measure initiative progress and highlight successes and challenges of implementation.
• Oversee consultant resources as necessary including managing consultant adherence to agreed upon timelines and conducting quality control checks of work product.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Occasional travel (20%) is required.
  
  

About the Office of Strategic Planning:

The Office of Strategic Planning within the Division of Strategic Planning develops and refines OGS's strategic direction, manages the development and implementation of the agency's strategic plan, and facilitates major initiatives across divisions to advance strategic priorities. The Office also assesses initiatives and operations to ensure that actions and decision-making are focused, aligned, and coordinated across the organization in support of OGS's strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant full-time work experience in public policy, project management, policy analysis, public sector management, research, data analysis, strategic planning, or related fields. An advanced degree in public administration, public policy, management, political science, government, law, or a closely related field preferred.

Preferred Qualifications:

In addition, the ideal candidate will possess the following skills:

• Strong research skills and ability to pro-actively gather and analyze information from disparate sources.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional writing skills and ability to summarize complex concepts quickly, clearly, and concisely for audiences at all levels.
• Strong presentation skills and experience producing professional-grade presentation materials using MS PowerPoint.
• Flexibility and comfort with adapting to changing requirements and circumstances.
• Ability to work with substantial independence, take ownership of projects, and successfully manage multiple priorities under pressure.
• Solution-oriented thinking, intellectual curiosity, and ability to seek out innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Eagerness to learn and understand new processes across a variety of different disciplines and sectors.
• Ability to work collaboratively and with professionalism with colleagues at all levels and with external stakeholders.
• Expertise in Microsoft Suite, including advanced PowerPoint and Excel skills, and use of remote presentation tools.
• Familiarity with State government operations or working in a state or local government environment a plus.
  
  

Additional Comments

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.

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