Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyHealth, Department of

TitleDeputy Commissioner of Communications

Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $172787 to $213995 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 20%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? Yes

Location

County Albany

Street Address Commissioner's Office

Empire State Plaza, Corning Tower

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12237

Job Specifics

Duties Description Reporting to the Commissioner of Health, the Deputy Commissioner for Communications serves as the principal advisor to the Commissioner on all matters involving communication and represents the Commissioner and the Department of Health with a broad array of constituency organizations. The incumbent has overarching responsibility for all communications between the Department of Health, the Executive Chamber, the media, interested parties, regulated entities, grant/contract awardees, and the public. The incumbent oversees internal communications between the Commissioner’s Office, Executive Staff and Department of Health programs to ensure that critical information is brought to the attention of the Commissioner and the Executive Chamber for appropriate management of issues of concern.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Advises the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Commissioners in handling sensitive matters which have the potential to significantly affect agency policy, budget, and programs.
• Formulates an overall media strategy to advance the agency’s mission, oversight and initiatives and providing advice and counsel to agency executive staff regarding media relations.
• Develops and recommends to the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner, and Chief of Staff policies and activities for expanded media relations and public education in alignment with the Administration’s position and the agency’s mission.
• Coordinates media activities with the Governor’s press office, other State agencies, and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities.
• Develops an agency-wide communications plan that includes policies and procedures for external and internal communications.
• Develops a multi-channel public relations and marketing strategy designed to explain and focus public attention on the Department’s achievements and responsibilities.
• Serves as liaison between the Department of Health and the Executive Chamber regarding communicating the Department of Health’s position on health matters, regulatory requirements, and emergency response events.
• Serves as the Department of Health official spokesperson with authority to speak to the press, media or public on behalf of the Commissioner and the Department.
• Establishes and maintains effective relations with the news media to inform the public about Department programs and operations.
• Coordinates the review of text and graphics for all public speeches and presentations given by agency staff to ensure consistency with the Administration’s position.
• Coordinates all agency marketing and social media presence in furtherance of agency wide workforce needs and all high-level agency-wide initiatives.
• Oversees and approves materials for the agency’s website to ensure content is appropriate for the target audience.
• Establishes and maintains viable internal channels of communication to ensure uniform comprehension of policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Oversees and directs internal activities related to the presentation/release of Department of Health information to the public.
• Provides strategic leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation to staff in the Public Affairs Group.

Minimum Qualifications A bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience in a public affairs position, including five years at a managerial level.

*Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and social media platforms.
• Experience in public relations and media outreach.
• Experience in crisis communication and media relations.
• Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform communication strategies.
• Ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication effectiveness.
• Knowledge of branding and marketing principles.
• Creativity and innovation in developing communication strategies.

Additional Comments This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation.

NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications.

Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...

The NYS Department of Health is committed to making New York a safer, healthier, and more equitable place to live. Understanding health equity, social determinants of health and health disparities is critical to accomplish our goal of eliminating health disparities. For more information on the NYS Department of Health’s Mission, Vision, Values and Strategic Plan, please visit: https://health.ny.gov/commissioner/index.htm

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Human Resources Management Group, AS/DCPA/00025

Telephone 518-486-1812

Fax 518-473-3395

Email Address resume@health.ny.gov

Address

Street ESP Corning Tower 2217

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12237

 

Notes on ApplyingPlease submit your resume and cover letter as one (1) document, preferably in PDF format, by email to resume@health.ny.gov, with Reference AS/DCPA/00025 included in the subject line or by mail to Human Resources Management Group, AS/DCPA/00025, Rm 2217, Corning Tower Building, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237-0012, or by fax to (518) 473-3395. Failure to include the required information may result in your resume not being considered for this position.