Special Assistant

DGS Office of External Affairs; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Special Assistant to the Executive Deputy Commissioner at DGS Office of External Affairs provides strategic guidance and serves as a key advisor, ensuring continuity across divisions and aligning operations with policy goals.

The role requires directing day-to-day agency activities, overseeing budget allocations and HR, and coordinating with other state agencies and the Executive Chamber. Routine travel of about 25% is expected to support inter-agency initiatives.

Qualifications

• Twelve years of experience in government or health/human services administration.
• Three years of experience at a managerial level.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across divisions.
• Experience with budget management and human resources oversight.
• Routine travel required (approximately 25%).

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary assistant and advisor to the Executive Deputy Commissioner.
• Oversee day-to-day agency operations and drive policy implementation.
• Manage budget allocations and human resources oversight.
• Act as liaison with other state agencies and the Executive Chamber.
• Coordinate between senior leadership and operational divisions.

Skills

Budget management

Human resources oversight

Cross-divisional coordination

Policy implementation

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Associate's degree may substitute for two years of experience; bachelor's degree for four years; master's degree for five years; J.D. for six years; Ph.D. for seven years

Job description

The Special Assistant serves as the primary assistant and advisor to the Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports. This role oversees day-to-day agency operations, drives policy implementation, manages budget allocations and human resources, and serves as a liaison with other state agencies and the Executive Chamber. The position requires routine travel (approximately 25%) and involves coordinating between senior leadership and operational divisions.

Key qualifications:

• Twelve years of experience in government or health/human services administration
• Three years of experience at a managerial level
• Associate's degree may substitute for two years of experience; bachelor's degree for four years; master's degree for five years; J.D. for six years; Ph.D. for seven years
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and coordinate across divisions
• Experience with budget management and human resources oversight