Director of Communications

Description

Duties Description

The incumbent of this position will report to the Division's Public Information Office. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, implement and deliver comprehensive communication strategies to gather, analyze, and disseminate information on the Division’s, mission, policies, programs, and services to a diverse group of stakeholders including the Executive Chamber, State agencies and authorities, local government and the general public.
• Serve as Division spokesperson explaining Division programs and activities and providing background on news stories.
• Advise the Director and senior management on public relations strategies, including media and public relations plans, and manage the date to day activities of external media relations.
• Assist in the preparation of accurate and informative community outreach programs for high priority events and projects as well as crisis communications roll out plans.
• Work closely with the Director, Counsel, Executive staff, other agencies and the Executive Chamber to coordinate responses to complex events and inquiries.
• Accompany the Director in the field during emergency activations and other Division activities to provide press and media coordination.
• Assist Division executive staff in preparing speeches letters, memorandums, reports and policy statements that accurately reflect the Division’s mission and values.
• Promote and maintain positive, proactive relationships with the Governor’s press office and media representatives.
• Propose and manage public information policies for the Division concerning such matters as responding to media inquiries.
• Provide expert communications advice on the impact of proposed or existing legislation, Division rules and regulations, programs and activities.
• Research, evaluate, recommend and implement emerging trends and innovations across media platforms to develop and maintain effective channels of communication and effectively engage the Division’s diverse audience.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with representatives of the media and with constituent groups and stakeholders. Establish and develop new media outlets and group contacts to expand coverage and improve information service on Division programs.
• Oversee coordination of logistics for news conferences and interviews. Provide counsel and assistance during events.
• Manage a team of communications professionals and oversee the development, review and approval of all print and multi-media materials. Maintain cohesiveness and consistency in branding, language and presentation from a policy and public relations perspective. Coordinate the various stakeholders involved as required.
• Perform all administrative supervisory duties as required, set priorities and deploy staff as necessary.
• Oversee the Division’s external website and intranet including coordination of updates to ensure accuracy and timeliness of information as well as optimal website layout and copy. Ensure material on the website is accessible to all constituents.
• Increase overall visibility and publication of agency initiatives and develop improved engagement by incorporating various aspects of print and digital aspects into the Division’s communications strategy including social media.
• Support the Emergency Management Office or field offices during emergency activations and ongoing events.
• Perform other duties as required.
• May have to work weekends as needed.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree* and six years of relevant experience.

Substitution: 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, Political Science or a related field.
• Four or more years of public relations experience in various communications media, with two years at the supervisory level.
• Three or more years of experience working with NYS government entities and an understanding of NYS government processes and the inner workings of a political environment.
• Experience with crisis management.
• Ability to work independently as needed in a high pressure, fast- moving environment.
• Ability to successfully interact and manage relationships with various levels within the Governor’s press office, NYS agencies and authorities, local government and the media.
• Strong analytical, writing, interpersonal, problem solving and presentations skills
• Adaptive, strategic problem solver able to work well under stress and meet short deadlines of multiple high-priority events and projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of contemporary oral, written, and social media communications tools.
• Established experience website design and maintenance.
  
  

Additional Comments

NOTE: Support of operations during times of emergency and disaster from State Emergency Operations Center (EOC), state field offices and/or local deployments may be required, which would result in a change and/or increase in working hours, locations and/or duties.