Review Vacancy
AgencyPublic Service, Department of
TitleDeputy Director of External Affairs, NS-M6
Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $156757 to $197170 Annually
Duties Description Under the general direction of the Department’s Chief Executive Officer and Executive Deputy, the Deputy Director of External Affairs, NS-M6, will be the chief communications strategist, chief spokesperson, and principal liaison to government partners and stakeholders, including all media outlets. This is a rare opportunity for an accomplished communications executive to operate at the highest levels of State government - helping translate complex regulatory work into clear, credible, and compelling public narratives that matter.
The Deputy Director will personally direct and oversee communications strategy, media relations, stakeholder engagement and intergovernmental relations, as well as perform additional duties that include, but are not limited to, the management of the following tasks:
• Managing a talented team responsible for media relations, online content, executive correspondence, and intergovernmental affairs.
• Drafting, reviewing and securing final approval of all press releases and statements to the press; news materials; talking points and speeches; opinion pieces; Agency reports; official Department social media posts and online content; and external educational material.
• Overseeing the Agency’s website and digital presence to ensure content is timely, user-friendly, and accessible.
• Maintaining an active and engaging presence on the Department’s social media accounts and growing the number of followers of the Department’s digital presence.
• Interfacing with other Department offices to ensure accuracy of all external communications; coordinating public events such as public statement hearings and outreach and education meetings; responding to legislative inquiries; providing timely and accurate responses to Freedom of Information requests; and executive correspondence.
• Using data and audience insights to continually improve public engagement and transparency.
• Building and maintaining collaborative relationships with government communication officials and community stakeholders and navigating complex issues with multiple constituencies with differing perspectives and needs.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with reporters, editors, and media outlets at the State and national levels.
• Establishing, maintaining, and strengthening effective working relationships with external stakeholders including, but not limited to, elected officials, professional and advocacy organizations, policy coalitions, and community organizations.
• Maintaining public-facing calendars of Public Service Commission sessions, public hearings, public comments deadlines, and other significant events of interest to the public.
• Supporting media activities with the Governor’s press office, other State agencies and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities.
• Assisting offices in developing and executing external communications efforts to advance Department initiatives.
• Identifying opportunities to support organizational initiatives; developing communications materials and planning community programs to promote and publicize these activities.
• Performing advance logistics duties as necessary in preparation of upcoming public engagements and acting as Department liaison to ensure seamless coordination for staging events with various public officials.
• Fostering a culture of professionalism in all work.
• Applying first class interpersonal and communication skills and working collaboratively with Department Office Directors and Executive Staff.
• Performing other related duties as directed and assigned by the CEO or Executive Deputy.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree and at least nine years of relevant experience* in external communications, public relations, government affairs, or media relations. Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills are a must.
Preferred qualifications include communications experience in the utilities or government sectors, and/or in the energy or environmental policy arena and relevant managerial experience.
This role is designed for a senior communications professional, preferably with experience in a managerial capacity, who thrives in complex environments and wants their work to have public impact. The ideal candidate has led communications at a senior level in government, media, regulated industries, or a high-profile organization; is comfortable translating technical or policy-heavy material into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences; has experience serving as a spokesperson or advising executives who regularly engage with the press; and can excel in a fast-paced, high-scrutiny environment.
* Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or an associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
Additional Comments About the Department:
The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) works to: ensure safe, affordable, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, water, and telecommunications services at just and reasonable rates for New York State customers, protect the natural environment, reduce greenhouse gas emissions via transmission and siting of renewable energy resources, and augment the resiliency of utility infrastructure. Learn more about DPS and how you can make a difference by checking out our video and more at: https://dps.ny.gov/employment-opportunities.
Remarks:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. The primary location for this position is Albany, NY, with at least 5% travel, which will require a valid driver’s license. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment to this position is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.