Assistant Public Information Officer

New York State Department of Public Service; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The New York State Department of Public Service seeks an Assistant Public Information Officer to develop and execute communications strategies in Albany, NY. You will manage press materials, respond to media inquiries, and coordinate events to promote DPS programs and initiatives.

Responsibilities include preparing spokespeople, drafting speeches, tracking media coverage, and maintaining the agency’s social channels and website. Travel and public outreach are part of the role.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience in external communications, public relations, government affairs, or media relations.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, and public statements.
• Respond to inquiries from media outlets and pitch stories to garner positive press for Agency programs and initiatives.
• Prepare Agency spokespersons and executives for media interviews and public appearances.

Skills

External communications

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Duties Description

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director Public Information, the Assistant Public Information Officer, NS-23, will develop and execute effective communication strategies and implement proactive media outreach including events, and responses to incoming media inquiries. Specific duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Drafting, editing, and distributing press releases, media advisories, and public statements.
• Responding to inquiries from media outlets.
• Pitching stories to media outlets to garner positive press for Agency programs and initiatives.
• Preparing Agency spokespersons, executives, or subject matter experts for media interviews and public appearances.
• Drafting speeches, testimonies, and talking points for Agency staff.
• Tracking press coverage and social media trends; and compiling reports on public sentiment and media metrics.
• Managing the Agency’s social media accounts, including content development, creation, distribution, and maintenance; and actively engaging audience.
• Developing engaging multimedia content, including graphics, short-form video, and photography for outreach and educational campaigns.
• Updating the Agency’s website to ensure the public has access to current information, events, and resources.
• Coordinating and staffing public events, community outreaches, and press conferences.
• Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, community groups, local leaders, and civic organizations.
• Designing and distributing publications detailing Agency services and initiatives.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and three years of relevant experience* in external communications, public relations, government affairs, or media relations.

• Substitutions: four years of the specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of the specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree may substitute for one year of the specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for two years of the specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for three years of the specialized experience.

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.