Review Vacancy
AgencyGeneral Services, Office of
TitleAssociate Commissioner (Associate Commissioner for Communications) - VID 196398
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $127507 to $160911 Annually
Duties Description About OGS:
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for state government operations. We are a diversified organization that delivers a broad spectrum of services to state agencies, local governments, and the public, including building management and maintenance services for 49 major office complexes and buildings statewide, including the state Capitol; managing leases of privately held real estate used for state purposes; architectural, engineering, and construction management services, hosting cultural programs at our facilities, and more.
OGS facilitates the work of New York State agencies, the Legislature, and the Judiciary and supports local governments, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. The agency provides services by developing and managing efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable programs and activities. Critical services are delivered by partnering with New York State businesses and presenting them with significant economic opportunities through their participation in state contracts administered by OGS for commodities, services, and technology.
About Division of External Affairs:
The Division of External Affairs oversees public affairs, communications, intergovernmental affairs, and media services for State agency clients as well as curation and programming for a world-class art collection and events for New Yorkers and 200,000 annual visitors to the State. The External Affairs Division provides digital campaign support for 39-plus agencies and authorities and manages or facilitates 2,100 annual events and programs in the State.
About the Role:
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs, the Associate Commissioner for Communications will serve as the OGS Public Information Officer and is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and coordination of the agency’s public information team and OGS digital team. This role is responsible for shaping the agency’s internal and external communications, in alignment with OGS’s strategic plan, and guiding the development of high impact messaging for external audiences, partners, and internal stakeholders. The incumbent will work closely with the Chief of Staff to coordinate the participation of agency leadership in external facing events and will work closely with operational units.
Specific duties of this role will include, but not be limited to, the following:
Leadership & Management
• Oversee the Public Information Office at Office of General Services, reviewing and drafting internal and external communications concerning agency activities.
• Oversee the OGS Digital Team, managing the agency’s website, intranet, digital publications, social media, and other multi-media platforms.
• Review operations and develop criteria for evaluating unit performance and goal attainment. Set standards for measuring the effectiveness of operations.
• Use data, analytics, and performance measurement to monitor key operations, determine program and initiative success, and promote a data-driven culture for assigned initiatives.
• Develop ongoing flow of agency information through the press, online tools, and internal communications.
• Advise on public relations and press strategy.
• Help coordinate agency response to emerging issues and crisis communication needs.
Content Development, Media & Public Relations
• Draft and review press releases, media statements, op-eds, Commissioner’s correspondence, and reports to the Executive Chamber.
• Work with the Executive division to coordinate participation of leadership in public-facing events, including researching and vetting opportunities, drafting speeches or talking points, aligning messaging, staffing events, and facilitating follow-up work.
• Generate numerous positive news stories for agency initiatives.
• Manage media relations with local and national journalists and serve as agency spokesperson.
• Coordinate with business units to develop press, stakeholder outreach, and engagement strategies for announcements and major initiatives.
• Serve as the agency’s Freedom of Information Act records officer.
• Manage and develop agency marketing materials including but not limited to trade show booths, brochures, flyers, PowerPoint presentations, signage, displays, social media toolkits, banners, posters and other materials.
• Manage strategic social media content development for multiple distinct social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
• Manage special projects for OGS and other Executive agencies at the direction of the Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Executive Deputy Commissioner.
• Duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelors’ degree and seven years’ experience with public affairs and media relations.
Substitutions: 11 years’ experience with public affairs and media relations; associate degree and nine years’ experience; A master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
Preferred qualifications:
• Familiarity with New York State government.
• Demonstrated political acumen and sound judgment.
• Ability to prioritize multiple issues, take initiative, establish relationships, and gain a high-level understanding of the breadth of OGS’ operations quickly.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, and ability to distill complex concepts quickly, clearly, and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent research, analysis, information organization, and record-keeping skills.
• Thorough attention to detail and accuracy.
• Solutions-oriented outlook, flexibility, creativity, intellectual curiosity, collaborative approach and comfort working across divisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working on public policy campaigns, event planning, and staffing events.
• Proficiency in major Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
• Experience with social media applications and best practices for government communications, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid Driver’s License issued by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicle is preferred.
• This position requires routine evening and weekend work.
• Travel may be required (approximately 20%), including during evening and weekends.
NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.
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.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address HRresumes@ogs.ny.gov
Address
Street NYS Office of General Services, HRM
31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
Notes on ApplyingPlease submit a resume and cover letter detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications along with the month/year and, if less than full time, the average hours worked per week for each position listed. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number of each position you are applying to.