Deputy Commissioner

Deputy Commissioner for Communications

Reporting to the Commissioner of Health, the Deputy Commissioner for Communications serves as the principal advisor to the Commissioner on all matters involving communication and represents the Commissioner and the Department of Health with a broad array of constituency organizations. The incumbent has overarching responsibility for all communications between the Department of Health, the Executive Chamber, the media, interested parties, regulated entities, grant / contract awardees, and the public. The incumbent oversees internal communications between the Commissioner's Office, Executive Staff and Department of Health programs to ensure that critical information is brought to the attention of the Commissioner and the Executive Chamber for appropriate management of issues of concern.

Specific responsibilities include :

• Advises the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Commissioners in handling sensitive matters which have the potential to significantly affect agency policy, budget, and programs.
• Formulates an overall media strategy to advance the agency's mission, oversight and initiatives and providing advice and counsel to agency executive staff regarding media relations.
• Develops and recommends to the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner, and Chief of Staff policies and activities for expanded media relations and public education in alignment with the Administration's position and the agency's mission.
• Coordinates media activities with the Governor's press office, other State agencies, and relevant outside entities concerning press events and activities.
• Develops an agency-wide communications plan that includes policies and procedures for external and internal communications.
• Develops a multi-channel public relations and marketing strategy designed to explain and focus public attention on the Department's achievements and responsibilities.
• Serves as liaison between the Department of Health and the Executive Chamber regarding communicating the Department of Health's position on health matters, regulatory requirements, and emergency response events.
• Serves as the Department of Health official spokesperson with authority to speak to the press, media or public on behalf of the Commissioner and the Department.
• Establishes and maintains effective relations with the news media to inform the public about Department programs and operations.
• Coordinates the review of text and graphics for all public speeches and presentations given by agency staff to ensure consistency with the Administration's position.
• Coordinates all agency marketing and social media presence in furtherance of agency wide workforce needs and all high-level agency-wide initiatives.
• Oversees and approves materials for the agency's website to ensure content is appropriate for the target audience.
• Establishes and maintains viable internal channels of communication to ensure uniform comprehension of policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Oversees and directs internal activities related to the presentation / release of Department of Health information to the public.
• Provides strategic leadership, supervision, training, and evaluation to staff in the Public Affairs Group.

Minimum Qualifications :

A bachelor's degree and ten years of experience in a public affairs position, including five years at a managerial level. 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 :

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Strong leadership and team management abilities. Proficiency in digital marketing tools and social media platforms. Experience in public relations and media outreach. Experience in crisis communication and media relations. Ability to analyze and interpret data to inform communication strategies. Ability to think strategically and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical skills to assess communication effectiveness. Knowledge of branding and marketing principles. Creativity and innovation in developing communication strategies.

Additional Comments :

This position may require travel throughout New York State including overnights to areas not served by public transportation. NYS Department of Health does not participate in E-Verify and does not sponsor visa applications. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including : Holiday & Paid Time Off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), Pension from New York State Employees' Retirement System, Shift & Geographic pay differentials, Affordable Health Care options, Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost, NYS Deferred Compensation plan, Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds, and many more...