Director of Public Information

The duties that the incumbent of the vacancy will be expected to perform. Duties Description Reporting to the Director of the Office of Victim Services (OVS), the Director of Public Information will serve as a member of the Executive Team with responsibility for all communication, strategic messaging, digital content, social media engagement, and other public information disseminated by the agency. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Respond to media inquiries and develop a comprehensive strategy for publicity and awareness of OVS programs through various mediums including digital content, print, radio, and television.
• Draft, edit, and disseminate internal and public-facing written materials related to OVS programs and initiatives, including but not limited to press releases, written reports, agency newsletters, digital publications, and staff guidance.
• Create and edit videos or other digital content to promote awareness of OVS services and provide updates to community stakeholders.
• Develop a robust social media presence and oversee all social media activity and strategy for the agency.
• Prepare written statements for Executive Team for public engagements and events.
• Monitor news articles, social media sites, and other external digital content to keep Executive Team apprised of issues that may impact agency programs or operations; develop recommended response strategies as necessary.
• Develop recommendations on agency public communications and written materials to respond to emerging issues.
• Update and enhance the OVS website to ensure comprehensiveness, clarity, and the use of trauma-informed plain language.
• Coordinate and manage communication between OVS and external stakeholders, as needed.
• Work collaboratively with staff in all OVS units to ensure consistency in public communication, messaging, branding, and written materials.
• Serve as the agency's Language Access Coordinator, including attending relevant meetings and completing required reporting.
• Act as the photographer for official events, press conferences and public appearances, as well as support events for senior leadership and internal initiatives/programs.
• This position requires proficiency in the Adobe Suite to design a wide range of digital/print marketing collateral.
• Perform the full range of supervisory responsibilities. The minimum qualifications required for this vacancy. Minimum Qualifications Nine years of relevant experience in the field of public information, public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field.

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Substitutions:

Associate's degree may substitute for two years of relevant experience; Bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of relevant experience; J.D. or master's degree may substitute for five years of relevant experience; Ph.D. may substitute for six years of relevant experience. Additional comments regarding the vacancy. Additional Comments This appointment will initially be temporary pending Civil Service approval of Exempt status. It is expected that the candidate selected will eventually be appointed to the permanent exempt item. Incumbents of exempt positions serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. OVS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Please be advised that the Office of Victim Services does not currently offer sponsorship for employment Visas.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The NYS Office of Victim Services provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Unit at DEIA@dcjs.ny.gov or (518) 457-8895. Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.