Special Assistant, Box EXEC-277/00601

Duties Description The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) is seeking applicants for the position of Special Assistant who will serve as Public Information Officer. Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs, the incumbent of this position will work with the Assistant Commissioner and other members of the Communications team to prepare and/or distribute materials regarding the programs, policies, and activities of the State Education Department to the general public, media, and other relevant audiences. Duties of this position will include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Prepare press releases, informational materials, publications, and social media announcements targeted to the general public and other public audiences;
• Serve as a Department spokesperson, maintain relations with media and cultivate new contacts to provide accurate and timely information on Department policies and initiatives;
• Prepare speeches, briefings, and other informational materials for the Commissioner;
• Prepare social media plans and draft content for NYSED’s social media platforms;
• Conduct outreach to schools, colleges and universities, cultural institutions, professionals licensed by the Department, vocational rehabilitation providers, and other relevant professional associations;
• Work with various Department staff, including the Intergovernmental Relations and program offices, to ensure the implementation of an integrated marketing communications approach to Department communications; and
• Travel and work with the Commissioner at public events and interviews across the state.

Minimum Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree and at least four years of professional experience in public relations, public information, communications, or journalism, at a public sector agency, educational institution, professional association, public relations agency, nonprofit organization, or news organization.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Special consideration will be given to candidates who have at least two years of experience:

• Serving as a spokesperson for a government agency or educational entity/institution
• Experience with video production and editing.
• Strong understanding of social media and best practices
• Proficiency in writing and optimizing social media content.

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This position is in the exempt class and serves at the discretion of the Commissioner of Education. Verification of education and experience will be required at the time of interview for all candidates.

This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. Statewide travel is required.

Salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Filling of this position is contingent upon Division of the Budget approval.

This position leads to a maximum salary of $131,298 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts

Interested in a job with New York State, but don’t know where to start?

Visit these links for information on working for New York State:

• https://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/
• https://www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/gettingajob.pdf

Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:

Holiday & Paid Time Off

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.

Health Care Benefits

• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.

Additional Benefits

• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights 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, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.