Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
TitleAssistant Public Information Officer
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $103870 to $131298 Annually
Duties Description Located within the Public Affairs Bureau of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), this position serves as the Deputy Public Information Officer.
The position plays a key role in strategic communications and marketing for a vast state park system encompassing 250 parks, historic sites, golf courses, trails, and marinas as well as the 750-mile Empire State Trail. In addition to park operations, the bureau provides coverage for the Division for Historic Preservation, State Park Police, state grant programs, and safe boating and snowmobiling programs.
The Public Affairs Bureau’s core responsibilities include media relations, community affairs, the agency website, social and digital media, graphic arts, internal communications and marketing. and is a primary point of contact for public inquiries to the agency’s general phone line and email inbox. The position reports to the Public Information Officer who reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Communications for OPRHP.
Duties include:
• Respond to local, state, and national media inquiries and monitor news coverage of agency activities
• Write and edit press releases, speeches, legislative testimony, website and social media content, and public correspondence and internal agency communications
•Plan and prepare media events and Commissioner’s appearances, including coordinating event logistics, writing remarks, and distributing media advisories.
•Liaison with New York Governor’s office on Governor’s press releases, events, media inquiries and initiatives related to the agency’s portfolio.
•Coordinate with state agencies, elected officials, and partner organizations on communications, events, and initiatives
• Plan and prepare staff for media events, hearings, public meetings, and major park events
• Oversee content for agency social media channels
• Oversee multi-media production staff
• Edit articles for e-newsletter Park Connect and New York State Parks and Historic Sites blog
• Research and develop strategic reports
• Oversee Public Affairs bureau in absence of the Public Information Officer
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and five 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
Our ideal candidate is / has:
• A strong leadership track record
• Highly organized with strong management skills and ability to work optimally in a fast-paced setting with multiple deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Additional Comments Operational Needs:
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license that allows the candidate to legally operate a motor vehicle in New York State as a term and condition of employment.
Benefits:
The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation offers a generous benefits package that includes but is not limited to:
Paid Time Off:
• M/C: 39 days - 13 Vacation days, 8 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays.
• M/C: Eligible for unlimited days of professional leave to participate in professional development, but at the supervisor’s discretion.
Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental / Family Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address Employment@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingAll candidates must submit a written resume and cover letter which clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. These documents must be received by March 23rd, 2026 and submitted via email to employment@parks.ny.gov. You must include “Vacancy ID # – Assistant Public Information Officer– Albany” in the subject line of your email. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for the position.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.
New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.