Public Information Specialist

NYS Authorities Budget Office; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The NYS Authorities Budget Office seeks a Public Information Specialist 2 to lead the agency's public information program and serve as a main spokesperson. The role plans, coordinates, and oversees communications with the press, public officials, and the public, guiding information release and media relations.

The role also manages the ABO's website and social media, drafts press materials, and supports outreach initiatives. Strong writing and public affairs experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years in public or governmental relations or writing/producing content for various media.
• Ability to serve as spokesperson and media liaison.
• Experience with FOI policies preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee ABO's public information program and serve as official spokesperson.
• Manage ABO website administration and social media accounts.
• Draft and edit press releases, news articles, and opinion pieces.
• Coordinate communications and outreach with public authorities and media.
• Organize conferences, seminars, and other events sponsored by ABO.
• Develop and maintain relationships with media, public officials, and stakeholders.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Communications strategy

Written communications

Spokesperson

Education

Associate's degree in media/new media/English/communications/journalism/broadcasting/public relations/films/TV productions/digital marketing

Bachelor's degree in media/new media/English/communications/journalism/broadcasting/public relations/films/TV productions/digital marketing

Master's degree in media/new media/English/communications/journalism/broadcasting/public relations/films/TV productions/digital marketing

Job description

The Public Information Specialist 2 serves as the communications officer and official spokesperson for the Authorities Budget Office (ABO). The incumbent plans, implements, coordinates and oversees a full range of activities associated with the ABO's public information program. The Public Information Specialist 2 duties in Authorities Budget Office will include but are not limited to the following:

• Oversee the ABO's web site administration.
• Assist to plan, implement and coordinate a program to provide information regarding ABO's organization, statutory powers, and duties to the public, the press, public officials, and representatives of state and local authorities.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvement.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the media, public officials and representatives from state and local authorities.
• Provide assistance and advice to ABO staff, the legislature and other public officials on a variety of public relations matters and prepare written material for their use as requested.
• Prepare written drafts or final copy of press releases, news articles, and opinion pieces. Coordinate the distribution and dissemination of material to interested or involved parties.
• Manage the ABO's social media accounts, including X, Instagram and LinkedIn, and draft and edit content.
• Develop, help film, and edit videos for various ABO projects to help the ABO communicate its work to the public and stakeholders.
• Review, edit and prepare for the release of ABO reports prepared by staff.
• Oversee the production of brochures, fact sheets, the annual report, and other public information material published by the ABO.
• May prepare speeches to be used by ABO executives and administrators.
• Acts as a spokesperson for the ABO to the news media, to individuals who make inquiries regarding the IABO's activities, and to public groups.
• Prepare official responses to written and oral inquiries from the press.
• Coordinate communications and outreach with public authorities and their contacts.
• In conjunction with legal staff, develops, coordinates and manages ABO office policies and procedures relating to the release and publication of official office documents under the Freedom of Information Law and other controlling rules or policies.
• Organize and publicize conferences, seminars, training and other events sponsored by the ABO.

Please note this title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). The minimum qualifications for non-competitive appointment are seven* years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media.

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.

*An associate's degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor's in these fields can substitute for four years; and a master's degree in these fields can substitute for an additional year of specialized experience.