Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyCanal Corporation

TitleAssistant Director Public Information

Occupational CategoryNo Preference

Salary Grade23

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $84246 to $113003 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 50%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 4:30 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Albany

Street Address 30 South Pearl Street

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12207

Job Specifics

Duties Description Under the direction of the Canal Corporation’s Director of Public Engagement, the New York State Canal Corporation’s Manager of Public and Government Relations will:
• Develop, nurture and expand relationships with elected officials at all levels of government of special interest to NYSCC and their staff, as well as relevant stakeholders;
• Respect, understand and respond to stakeholder interests by creating and aligning NYSCC interests with specific projects, issues and initiatives;
• Serve as spokesperson who represent NYSCC in meetings and events with elected officials and stakeholders;
• Plan, coordinate and execute a range of public events, including press conferences, across the system to advance special projects and initiatives;
• Facilitate technical discussions with elected officials/stakeholders by identifying NYPA/NYSCC subject matter experts to participate in meetings with elected officials/stakeholders ;
• Maintain an understanding of regional economic development and environmental priorities, plans, and contacts;
• Act as a facilitator to gather feedback from the public and other community stakeholders;
• Partner with NYPA’s Community Relations regional offices to identify local issues of importance to key stakeholders representing areas in which NYSCC facilities are located;
• Coordinate with public affairs team and consultants to ensure clear, consistent and effective messaging across all channels of communication including marketing, press and social media;
• Support leadership in efforts related to the Canal Recreationway Commission;
• Support communications with the Executive Chamber, including the Governor’s Regional Representatives, to ensure they are informed of pertinent issues, projects and initiatives related to the NYSCC;
• During emergencies (weather, infrastructure, etc.), serve as a “duty officer” 24/7 to disseminate regional and system information to elected officials, their staff and other relevant stakeholders; and
• Assist the Director of NYSCC with special projects and assignments as needed.

Minimum Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, history, communications, journalism, or a related field of study
• Graduate degree from an accredited university, preferred
• Minimum 3 - 6 years of full-time experience working on public policy, preferably with the New York State Legislature or Congress or the State of New York
• Experience including work on public issues, stakeholder relations, legislative analysis and drafting

• Candidates must possess and maintain a valid NYS Driver’s License

Additional Comments • Role requires up to 50% in-state travel including local and regional meetings with constituents, site visits at Canal infrastructure, and team meetings, conferences, and other responsibilities across New York State
• Role requires overnight travel as well as occasional evening and weekend participation in public meetings and events


Command of NYSCC’s mission, vision and strategy as it pertains to alignment with regional elected and business leaders and communities
• Ability to prepare concise, informative summaries of stakeholder interactions and related NYSCC positions
• Strong writing skills and ability to connect with a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to learn, listen, respectfully probe, challenge and understand the views and interests of external stakeholders with respect to specific NYSCC projects and initiatives in order to fashion effective and responsive engagement strategies
• Ability to work productively with state legislators and/or their staff, as well as local elected officials
• Demonstrated command of regional governance, including committee operations and protocols as well as business community interests
• Possess skills to strategize on effective communication methods, depending on the project, issue, or initiative
• Understand the workings of state and local government

The New York State Canal Corporation (Canals), a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, is responsible for overseeing and maintaining the 524-mile waterway for boating, recreation, tourism and agriculture. The New York State Canal System includes the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals, linking the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The 200-year-old NYS Canal System extends over 524 miles and plays important roles in New York’s economic development, tourism industry and environmental stewardship.

For more information on The New York State Canal Corporation’s mission, values and opportunities, please visit https://www.canals.ny.gov/

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

Contact Information

Name Recruitment@canals.ny.gov

Telephone 515-449-6003

Fax

Email Address Recruitment@canals.ny.gov

Address

Street 30 South Pearl Street

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12207

 

Notes on ApplyingInterested candidates who meet the minimum qualifications should send a cover letter and resume by the application deadline of February 19,2025 to recruitment@canals.ny.gov. Please include the position title and location (Assistant Director Public Information/Albany) in the subject line of your email to ensure receipt of your application.