Assistant director of public information

Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

Position Information:

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets is seeking a Special Assistant, NS to function as the Assistant Director of Public Information. The Assistant Director of Public Information will assist in the development and implementation of media relations plans, priorities, and systems that meet the present and future needs of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The incumbent will be responsible for performing the full range of public information and communications activities required, such as preparing written and audiovisual materials used in promoting or publicizing the Department of Agriculture and Markets. They will assist the Director of Public Information in managing the growing Public Information Office, managing agency communication projects and public information campaigns, and ensuring deadlines are met. They will be assigned special projects in collaboration with the Department’s Executive Staff, Division Directors, and Executive Chamber staff. The Assistant Director's duties involve direct management of the Department's public image and communication. This requires superior communication skills and seasoned professionalism to navigate media relations and public perception effectively.

The Assistant Director of Public Information position is located at the Department of Agriculture and Markets’ headquarters conveniently located near the Albany International Airport at 10B Airline Drive, Albany, NY 12235. We offer a professional and comfortable working environment with ample free parking. This is a full-time, Management/Confidential (MC) position that offers a competitive salary range of $93,659 - $118,388 and a 37.5-hour workweek, Monday-Friday. Opportunities for a hybrid telecommuting schedule are available in accordance with the agency’s Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

Benefits:

Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive health insurance options, free dental and vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays!

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

Appointment Process and Minimum Qualifications:

The Civil Service title for this Assistant Director of Public Information position is Special Assistant, NS. This Special Assistant position is in the Exempt Class within the NYS Civil Service Merit System. Section 41(1) of the Civil Service Law provides that the Exempt Class shall include "all other offices or positions for which the Civil Service Commission has determined it is not practicable to fill by competitive or non-competitive examination." These positions are not tenure-bearing and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.

Approval for appointment to this position will go through the Budget Director Approval (BDA) process, including a fingerprint background check.

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and four years of relevant experience, with four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience substituting for a bachelor’s degree; a J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; and a Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

How to Apply:

Candidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must use the below link to apply by November 1, 2025. Within this online application please upload your resume, transcript, and cover letter.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Sacco in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or [email protected].

The Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity, and reasonable accommodations and/or modifications as necessary, for qualified persons with disabilities. If you are in need of a reasonable accommodation, please visit: