Special Assistant (Director of Community Preparedness and Partnerships)

Description

Duties Description

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs the Special Assistant (Director of Community Preparedness and Partnerships) is responsible for enhancing an agency's disaster preparedness and response capabilities by focusing on clear and consistent public messaging, fostering strong relationships with community organizations, and acting as a key liaison for important preparedness initiatives.

Duties will include but are not limited to the following:

• Update and standardize all disaster preparedness communications to ensure clarity and consistency for the public and local government partners.
• Cultivate and strengthen relationships with nonprofit and volunteer organizations to ensure comprehensive community support before, during, and after disasters.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the Disaster Preparedness Commission, managing meeting logistics and supporting related events.
• Act as a liaison for the Citizen's Preparedness Corps Program, reviewing messaging and coordinating meetings.
• Develop and implement effective community outreach materials and programs, particularly in post-disaster scenarios.
• Provide agency spokesperson support as needed, in collaboration with the Director of Communications.
• Collaborate on the maintenance and modernization of the agency's website.
• Support the Office of Emergency Management during emergency activations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.
• Availability to work weekends as required.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and six 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.

The Ideal Candidate Will Possess The Following

• The ability to independently manage projects from conception to completion
• Excellent public speaking, presentation and writing skills
• Illustrated experience in communicating complicated processes in a simplified manner
• Experience working with elected officials and the nonprofit sector
• Strong analytical skills
• Flexible to travel
  
  

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.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency's Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) is an equal opportunity employer.

In accordance with the NYS Human Rights Law, DHSES does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

DHSES is committed to fostering diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in the workplace and is committed to providing our programs and services without discrimination.

In support of Executive Order 31, all qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.