Deputy Commissioner (Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs) - VID 214965

Duties Description

About the Role:
The Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs leads a statewide team dedicated to redefining the public sector experience, balancing a relentless focus on customer-centric innovation with a cohesive operational strategy to ensure our services are visible, accessible, and impactful to all New Yorkers. Reporting to the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs serves on the Cabinet and is a strategic leader that shapes the agency’s engagement with external partners, including government, media, businesses, community stakeholders, and the public.

The Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs will advance the agency’s mission by increasing the reach and impact of its work, enhancing its overall reputation for excellence. They will be responsible for strengthening relationships with our partners, client agencies, municipalities and non-profits, vendors, and the public. They’ll work to raise the visibility of OGS’ services and capabilities, advance its mission, and foster collaboration and transparency across all divisions through effective communication.

We are looking for more than a manager; we are seeking a catalyst who blends exceptional executive leadership and financial acumen with a deeply collaborative, creative mindset. The ideal candidate will leverage their proven experience to shape an external affairs program that evolves how the agency communicates, connects, and engages with the public and external partners. The Deputy Commissioner must be nimble, forward-thinking, and good-humored, possessing both political savvy and high emotional intelligence. If you thrive on modernizing systems, championing diversity, and empowering teams to think bigger, OGS is the place for you.
Key Responsibilities

The Deputy Commissioner for External Affairs will lead the external engagement strategy and operations across the agency, balancing a focus on expanding access and improving the customer experience for the agency’s services, with ensuring a cohesive strategy and operations for the division’s programs. In partnership with the Commissioner’s Cabinet, the Deputy Commissioner will create a culture of collaboration, high performance, innovation, and diversity.

Lead efforts will include: crafting and launching marketing & communication campaigns for our expansive services; driving public engagement as we reconnect the Empire State Plaza (ESP) and its cultural assets with Albany communities; leading meaningful engagement to bridge OGS with external partners; clearing administrative roadblocks to ensure success for Office of Language Access; instituting a data-based approach to service delivery; and create opportunities to elevate and celebrate our team members and their work. The Deputy Commissioner will oversee a division with four external functions:

• Communications & Public Affairs shapes the agency’s internal and external narratives in alignment with OGS’s strategic plan, crafting high-impact messaging for partners, internal stakeholders, and the public. This team leads a frictionless digital experience by managing the agency’s website, intranet, digital publications, social media, and other multimedia platforms, with a staff of 8.
• Culture & Programs oversees our robust community programs and special events, cultural assets (including the Nelson Rockefeller Empire State Plaza Art Collection and Harlem Art Collection), space rentals (ESP Convention Center, winter ice rink, statewide properties) and New York State Capitol Tours Visitor Center/Gift Shop. This team has a staff of 50+.
• Intergovernmental & Community Affairs develops outreach and engagement strategies with outside stakeholders, including the NY State Legislature, the Governor’s Office, other government entities, community groups and key partners. The unit has two staff members.
• NYS Office of Language Access oversees the implementation of the statewide language access policy by executive state agencies and ensures a cost-effective provision of services. Headed by the Executive Director, OLA works closely with community partners, local government, and external stakeholders, and develops best practices and guidance through its team of four.

About OGS
The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for New York State government operations, including Executive Agencies, State Legislature, Judiciary, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. Learn more about our agency at https://ogs.ny.gov/about-us and read our strategic plan at https://ogs.ny.gov/strategic-plan.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and at least 9 years of progressively responsible external affairs experience in a complex institution. Management experience must include supervision of professional staff, oversight of cultural events or programs, internal and external communications, and strategic planning. Bachelor’s degree required, graduate degree preferred.

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Ability to lead a dynamic and fast-moving division with multiple priorities and missions, through exceptional management, wisdom, and acumen to make strategic decisions pertaining to staff and procedures.
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining coalitions and relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
• Track record of managing complex budgets through financial oversight, performance management, and cost analysis.
• Experience with revenue generation and development for programs and events.
• Development of leadership dashboards and key performance indicator tracking to determine program effectiveness and initiative success.
• Effective written and oral communication and high degree of responsiveness.
• Critical decision-making skills, with the ability to process information, be resourceful, encourage adaptability and creativity, and commit to a definite course of action.
• Proven ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and maintain humor and grace under pressure.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to build inclusive, diverse, and safe workspaces and programs.

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.

Salary : $156,757 - $197,170