Special Assistant (Deputy Director of Communications) VID 154764

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree and six years of relevant experience. *

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

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of managerial experience
• Demonstrates a strong collaborative approach to cross functional teamwork
• Well-organized, disciplined, and able to incorporate feedback to improve best practices
• Ability to develop creative solutions under pressure
• Ability to write, prepare and edit in a creative and clear manner, under limited supervision, at a level acquired with 7+ years of professional working experience.
• Strong interpersonal communications and demonstrated ability to manage positive relationships with external stakeholders
• Capable of managing sensitive and high-risk online environments/communities. Experience with social media and integrated digital communications. Good oral communication skills which include public speaking.
• Must exercise discretion involving the interrelationships among the agency, outside stakeholders, licensees, and other members of the legal cannabis ecosystem
• Spanish-language proficiency
  
  

Duties Description

This position will manage the development and planning of comprehensive, adaptive, and responsive strategic media and messaging programs to advance and support OCM’s objectives, and enhance OCM’s branding through local, regional, and national news exposure. The position manages the flow of information from internal OCM program areas and the Director of Communications. This position manages two teams in the Communications Office, the Press Office, and the Digital Content & Campaign Management team, providing guidance, feedback, and mentorship to all Communications staff. This position oversees communication strategies regarding dispensary openings, press conferences, and other open press events, and requires the exercise of discretion in the development and implementation of strategic media campaigns.

Duties Include, But Are Not Limited To

• Manages and oversees all daily operations for the Press Office and Digital Content & Campaign Management teams within the Communications Office
• Working with various program areas within OCM, develop strategies for implementation of OCM initiatives and communicate those plans to the Director of Communications as appropriate
• Manages the Communication Officer’s day-to-day workflow
• Prepares remarks, op-eds, and pitches national media outlets to expand reach and coverage of OCM
• Oversees the development of OCM’s public-facing newsletter, website and social media content that is timely and responsive to the fast-evolving cannabis landscape
• Plans and implements Agency Press Strategy with the Director of Communications, and Executive team to keep track of Agency initiatives and accomplishments
• Work with the Director of Communications to make decisions about what to promote to fit into overall OCM strategy, and carry out strategic plans in timely, effective and well-ordered fashion
• Edits press releases and advisories to ensure clear, consistent and concise messaging to the public is maintained
• Reviews and develops briefing materials for Executive Director and Chair of the Board.
• Proactively pitch stories highlighting milestones of the agency
• Serve as a partner to foster a positive, collaborative and impactful relationship with the Executive Chamber
• Serve as Agency’s liaison for other entities by coordinating meetings to define and develop partnership opportunities
• Serve as on-the-record spokesperson for OCM
• Complete special assignments as directed
• Complete full range of supervisory functions
  
  

Additional Comments

The Office of General Services (OGS) is an equal opportunity employer, and we recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We encourage applicants for all communities to apply.

For a full version of OGS’s EEO/AA statement and benefits joining Team #OneOGS, please visit http://www.ogs.ny.gov/employment.

NOTE ON TELECOMMUTING: Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Downstate: Location Pay of $3,087