Duties Description The Deputy Chief of Staff will report to the Chief of Staff & Director of Policy Implementation and will also work directly with the Executive Deputy at the Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) and Chair of the Public Service Commission (Commission)/Chief Executive Officer (Chair) of DPS.
The Deputy Chief of Staff is a senior leader who will be responsible for leading strategic and special projects across policy, legislative, communications, and regulatory arenas; keeping the Chair informed of activity across the Agency; and managing projects to ensure timely and accurate responses. The Deputy Chief of Staff is empowered to make high-impact decisions related to executive project planning and strategic prioritization. The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:
• Leading strategic and special projects on behalf of the Chair, Executive Deputy, and Chief of Staff, from scoping and work planning through implementation and reporting, and serving as the senior point of contact to ensure clear accountability and timely delivery of results.
• Directing and mentoring staff and senior advisors in the execution of various projects and initiatives.
• Developing and producing weekly reports summarizing activities across all offices of the Agency, including key upcoming commission actions, proceedings, legislative and media developments, and issues.
• Establishing and maintaining a consistent project management framework, including work plans, timelines, and tracking tools, and helping set and track the Commission's annual goals.
• Conducting strategic reviews of major initiatives, identifying risks and mitigation strategies, and making recommendations to the Chair and Chief of Staff.
• Supporting the development of Agency priorities and developing materials for the Chair and senior leadership ahead of key meetings, hearings, and decisions.
• Triaging requests and assigning them to the appropriate staff, setting deadlines, tracking them to completion, and reviewing responses for accuracy, consistency, with Department positions, and alignment with State policy objectives.
• Assisting in the development of priority policy proposals, ensuring they are well-analyzed, aligned with Department and State objectives, and advanced on schedule.
• Supervising, mentoring, and setting priorities for the Special Assistant to the Chair and reviewing their work product.
• Overseeing the Chair's communications work, including speeches, talking points, op-eds, social media, and Commission session materials, and participating in the Department's messaging coordination to keep messaging consistent and strategic.
• Coordinating with partner agencies and authorities on shared initiatives.
• Attending and/or participating in public events on behalf of the Department including panels and other speaking engagements.
• Supporting the Chief of Staff management functions, including hiring, workforce development, and continuous improvement of internal processes and governance, including the responsible use of AI and other tools.
• Demonstrating strong leadership, sound judgement, and discretion in handling sensitive, confidential, and time-critical matters, with and ability to work effectively across all levels of the organization and build strong working relationships.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience* in public policy, government, energy, law, business, or a related field, including experience managing complex projects and working with senior executives.
*Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate's degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor's degree; master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for three years of specialized experience.
Preferred candidates will possess a master's degree or higher in a relevant subject area (e.g., business, public policy, law, engineering) and an understanding of the utility regulatory model and the energy, water, and telecommunications utility industries in New York. Additionally, preferred candidates will have demonstrated experience leading cross-functional projects and managing multiple high-priority workstreams; experience working with legislative bodies, executive offices, or other government stakeholders; and supervisory or managerial experience.
Remarks:
Salary will be commensurate with experience. The primary location for this position is either Albany or New York City, NY, with at least 10% travel, which may vary depending on location. If the position is filled in the New York City location, the salary range above would increase by the Downstate Adjustment of $4,150. 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.
Name Human Resources Management - KH
Telephone
Fax
Address
Street 3 Empire State Plaza
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12223
Notes on Applying Please send a resume and cover letter to recruiting@dps.ny.gov or fax to Human Resources Management at (518)473-9990. Please reference "Deputy Chief of Staff, posting 00903" when applying and include location preference.
