Director of Public Information

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Candidate must have a bachelor’s degree and seven (7) or more years’ of progressively relevant experience in the following areas:

• Communications
• Journalism
• English
• Public relations
• Marketing
• Related fields
  
  

At least three years of such experience must be in managing the communications within a large government agency, corporation, or not-for-profit organization.

• Master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• Ph. D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Communications experience in criminal justice or public safety issues.
• Excellent work ethic, integrity, detail oriented with demonstrated high-quality and accurate work product.
• Ability to assess potential emerging issues of public concern to help inform agency response.
• Excellent journalistic, presentation, and interpersonal skills that resonate with a variety of audiences; ability to communicate persuasively, concisely, and unambiguously in speech and in writing.
• Track record of creative and proactive approaches for pitching news stories.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to work well under pressure and a respect for internal and external deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple diverse projects simultaneously, deliver on commitments and varying deadlines, and operate/make decisions with speed, accuracy, and strong judgment.
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter/x, LinkedIn, etc.).
  
  

Duties Description

Under the direction of the Executive Deputy Commissioner and in consultation with the Senior Advisor for Strategic Communications, the incumbent is responsible for managing the Office of Public Information within the Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), which handles more than 1,000 requests each year. The Director of Public Information serves as the primary spokesperson for DCJS, manages relationships with media, and develops and distributes external and internal agency news, reports, and announcements. Specifically, the incumbent oversees all media, social media, and public relations for DCJS and its multiple commissions and councils, as well as the Office of Victim Services (OVS) and the State Commission of Correction (SCOC) which are administratively hosted by DCJS. In addition, the Director collaborates with the Governor’s Office and other State agencies on key announcements and events to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent messaging related to criminal justice and public safety including but not limited to administration priorities, achievements, and impact. The Director undertakes additional responsibilities as needed.

Specific Duties

• Manage the DCJS Office of Public Information and direct the activities of assigned staff,
• Build and maintain press relations by, in part, providing timely, comprehensive responses and background information to media inquiries,
• Schedule and coordinate press conferences, interviews, and media availabilities for agencies’ leadership and subject matter experts,
• Manage and oversee updates to content on the agencies’ websites, social media, and other digital media,
• Prepare speeches, remarks, statements, presentations, briefings, press releases, briefings, and other materials for agencies and agencies’ leadership,
• Advise agencies’ leadership of sensitive and complex issues which require public relations and media attention,
• Coordinate across State agencies and within different program areas to ensure branding and consistent messaging for both internal and external audiences,
• Assist the Special Advisor for Strategic Communications and Engagement,
• Support the agencies’ public engagement and marketing strategy to ensure effectiveness and accuracy of promotional and marketing materials,
• Support agency representatives at public-facing meetings, events, and conferences, as needed, and
• Travel throughout New York State and perform other duties, as requested.
  
  

Additional Comments

An employee telecommuting program is available.

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

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: The NYS Division of Criminal Justice 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, and Inclusion Unit at [email protected] or (518) 485-1704.