Assistant Director, Public Information & Media Strategy

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Telecommuting may be discussed

Pension/retirement benefits

Paid leave

Tuition assistance

Job summary

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports is seeking an Assistant Director of Public Information to lead media outreach, crisis communications, and multi-channel messaging. This role shapes internal and external narratives and translates complex agency data into accessible public information in collaboration with senior leadership.

Responsibilities include drafting press materials, briefing executives, pitching stories, and coordinating with the Governor’s Office when required.

Qualifications

• Nine years of experience in public relations, journalism, or related field with 2+ years in supervision.
• Degrees may substitute for experience as described; field must be PR, journalism, communications, or related.

Responsibilities

• Lead media outreach, crisis communications, and multi-channel messaging for OASAS.
• Coordinate press responses, draft statements, and secure necessary approvals.
• Serve as liaison between executive staff and press; prepare officials for interviews.
• Identify and pitch positive stories to press highlighting staff/providers.
• Draft and edit external collateral: press releases, advisories, statements, reports.
• Write internal memos and briefing materials for COMMS leadership.
• Collaborate on remarks and talking points for Commissioners and executives.
• Create brand-compliant social and web copy for agency initiatives and events.
• Manage projects with milestones, and coordinate cross-agency reviews of materials.

Skills

Strong writing

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public information

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/Journalism/Communications

Tools

Social media platforms

Media monitoring tools

Content management systems

Job description

The Office of Addiction Services and Supports is seeking an Assistant Director of Public Information to lead media outreach, crisis communications, and multi-channel messaging. This role shapes internal and external narratives and translates complex agency data into accessible public information in collaboration with senior leadership.

Responsibilities include drafting press materials, briefing executives, pitching stories, and coordinating with the Governor’s Office when required.