Duties Description About the Role
The Director for Public Information is a dynamic communicator and storyteller, leading the New York State Office of General Services (OGS)'s Public Information Office. Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for Communications, the Director for Public Information is a member of the Senior Staff and serves as a key driver of the OGS message.
The Director for Public Information is a strategic and creative leader to help define the agency's voice and message across New York State. In this capacity, you will help shape the OGS narrative, ensuring our communications are seamlessly integrated into the agency's broader digital and operational vision.
Working closely with agency leadership, you will help shape OGS's message by leading innovative social media initiatives and guiding a comprehensive media relations strategy. You will amplify the agency's story across multiple platforms while establishing editorial standards that ensure all internal and external communications are clear, consistent, accurate, and aligned with the agency's broader mission and strategic priorities.
The ideal candidate will have proven press instincts and the ability to lead a small but mighty team that shapes how we communicate, connect, and engage with the public. The Director must be nimble, forward-thinking, good-humored, and politically savvy. If you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, enjoy breaking down complex topics into engaging and clear messages, and have a deep love of public service, OGS is the place for you.
Key Responsibilities
• Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the Public Information Office, ensuring agency communications, projects, and campaigns are on message and on time.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to PIO staff by managing workflows, assigning tasks, and supporting professional development.
• Establish and enforce overarching editorial standards to ensure that all internal and external messaging remains cohesive, accurate, and aligned with broader OGS initiatives.
• Monitor OGS press coverage by compiling news clips and monitoring media outlets, and share this information with leadership.
• Assist with media relations, including answering media inquiries, writing and approving press releases, and working directly with executive staff to deliver accurate agency public information.
• Prepare the Commissioner, Executive, and other Agency staff for media interviews, presentations, testimonials, remarks, and public appearances.
• Direct the development and execution of public information campaigns focused on agency programs and initiatives that educate the public and state agency partners.
• Draft, review, and finalize high-level communications outputs, including letters, executive correspondence, and remarks for speaking engagements by the Commissioner and others in the Agency.
• Direct and coordinate press events, media outreach, and productions, ensuring all logistics and messaging are aligned.
• Lead collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to support public affairs activities, creative design, and agency communications.
• Review and edit content prepared for the agency's website, social media, and other online platforms, working closely with the Digital team to ensure messaging consistency.
• Represent OGS by speaking to various groups, organizations, and government bodies to share our actions, plans, and policies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.
The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining coalitions and relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
• Effective written and oral communication and a high degree of responsiveness.
• Critical decision-making skills, with the ability to process information, be resourceful, encourage adaptability and creativity, and commit to a definite course of action.
• Proven ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and maintain humor and grace under pressure.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to build inclusive, diverse, and safe workspaces and shape a public message.
Operational Needs:
Travel required (approximately 20%)
Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree with at least five years of related professional experience. Ideal applicants will have a background demonstrating progressive responsibility in communications, media relations, or public information, equipping them to effectively manage workflows and lead agency messaging initiatives.
NOTE: IN ORDER TO AWARD THE PROPER CREDIT FOR WORK EXPERIENCE, RESUMES MUST INCLUDE MONTH AND YEAR FOR START AND END DATES. IF ANY OF THIS EXPERIENCE IS LESS THAN FULL TIME YOU MUST INDICATE THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF HOURS WORKED PER WEEK.
Name Human Resources/SP
Fax 518-486-1631
Email Address
[email protected] AddressStreet NYS Office of General Services, HRM
31st Floor Corning Tower, Empire State Plaza
City Albany
State NY
Zip Code 12242
Notes on Applying Please submit a resume and cover letter to
[email protected] detailing how you meet the minimum qualifications along with the month/year and, if less than full time, the average hours worked per week for each position listed. Indicate the Position Title & Vacancy ID number of each position you are applying to.
