*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.

*Position expected to work onsite and hybrid consistent with New York State.

BASIC FUNCTION:

The Assistant Director provides both strategic and tactical editorial support for the Governor’s $620 million Life Science Initiative. The Assistant Director will collaborate with life science team members on the development of written materials and the creation and implementation of editorial activities, and will play an essential role in the creation and management of such materials as the Annual Report, board materials, press releases, reports, presentations, and documents required by the Legislature about the Life Science Initiative and projects under way or under consideration. The Assistant Director will interface with ESD colleagues in Public Affairs and Marketing to ensure that all materials developed for external audiences are in keeping with ESD protocol and requirements .

The Assistant Director will work closely with the AVP, SVP and other senior staff to develop and implement a strategy that establishes and conveys key messages about Life Science projects through numerous channels. The Assistant Director also will collaborate with the Marketing team to develop website and social media communications and vehicles that showcase the impact of life science programs and initiatives. The Assistant Director also may be required to represent the Life Sciences team at industry events occasionally as an attendee or as a speaker.

WORK PERFORMED:

• Develop and implement an outreach/editorial strategy that reinforces the life science initiative’s value and story. Include in the strategy initiatives designed to showcase ongoing and past programs for both internal and external audiences.
• Prepare and manage all editorial materials, such as reports, website content, presentations for industry events and conferences, documents requested by senior management, and other materials as required, and collaborate with the Public Affairs team on the development of press materials.
• Work closely with the ESD press office, web team and colleagues to ensure events and programs are publicized and posted on ESD website.
• Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of life science programs and projects; keep up to date with relevant developments.
• Work with project staff to plan and manage events, such as Advisory Committee meetings.
• Interface with ESD public affairs and communications team to ensure that all materials and content adhere to ESD style and other requirements
• Work with project teams to respond to inquiries from the Governor’s Office, and generate reports and documents needed for legislative hearings.
• Produce briefing materials on Life Science programs for senior ESD and other New York State officials, as well as external audiences, and draft sensitive correspondence and remarks on behalf of the SVP.
• May be required to represent the Life Sciences team at industry events occasionally as an attendee or as a speaker.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education Level Required : Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related discipline desired; Master’s degree preferred. Experience working in public policy, public administration, business and/or life sciences desired.

Experience required : 5-7 years of experience in communications strategy, outreach, development and implementation role. Experience working in public policy, public administration, business and/or life sciences desired. Proven ability to meet tight deadlines with excellent written and verbal communication/presentation skills. Highly computer literate with capability in email, MS Office, and related business and communication tools. Solid understanding and comfort with social media platforms and social media marketing, Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro). Working knowledge of content management systems and digital graphics production a plus.

Key Attributes and Requirements

• Facile writer with outstanding judgment, work ethic, and performance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly effective at using data and storytelling to communicate a strategy and vision that inspire others.
• Demonstrated ability to convey in writing complex information in clear and understandable formats to a wide range of audiences with differing levels of technical understanding.
• Disciplined and deadline-driven
• Forges relationships across the organization that set the stage for collaboration and success.
• Able to work on multiple writing assignments simultaneously, at times switching gears to accommodate executives’ schedules.
• Innovative, organized, and self-motivated
• Impeccable listening skills
• Serve as a strong advocate for the work of the Life Science Division
• Able to absorb candid feedback
• Team player
• Excellent sense of humor
• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines.