Special Assistant, Associate Commissioner for Workforce Development - Albany

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NY HELP No

Agency Labor, Department of

Title Special Assistant, Associate Commissioner for Workforce Development - Albany

Occupational Category Administrative or General Management

Salary Grade NS

Bargaining Unit M/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary Range From $156757 to $197170 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 25%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Albany

Street Address 1220 Washington Avenue

Building 12

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12226

Duties Description Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development the incumbent will focus on leading, developing, and implementing workforce development initiatives, programs, policies and procedures aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce in order to meet evolving workforce needs of the local economy. This position initiates outreach and collaborations with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to foster partnerships that support workforce growth and economic development, and ensure strategic marketing strategies are implemented. In this capacity, the incumbent will provide supervision and leadership and independently manage special projects and activities, represent the goals and priorities of the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development and other Executive staff on behalf of the Commissioner with local, state and federal Legislators, agency officials, businesses, unions, community organizations and other stakeholders. With latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, the incumbent performs, but is not limited to the following duties:

• Actively participate and provide guidance in the development and implementation of the Deputy Commissioner’s key policy initiatives and division programmatic priorities.
• Conduct research, develop strategies, provide oversight, and offer recommendations to resolve issues and ensure adherence to the department’s priorities, goals and deadlines.
• Coordinate ongoing special projects, programs and high-profile assignments for the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development, which may be of a confidential or high priority nature.
• Coordinate and elicit the cooperation of a variety of internal and external stakeholders, often with competing interests, propose solutions to resolve problems or delays, and recommend necessary policy or legislative changes to support the needs of the agency.
• Utilize advanced project management methodologies to ensure timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives. Proactively identify and address potential challenges or obstacles, implementing innovative solutions and adjustment as necessary throughout the Office of Workforce Development.
• Review reports, position papers, proposals, correspondence and speeches on topics related to initiatives for the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and other Executive level staff as it relates to the Office of Workforce Development.
• Represent the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development and Department on behalf of the Commissioner at meetings with Legislators, other agencies, various stakeholders from both public and private organizations to explain agency programs, initiatives and goals. Prepare a synopsis of meeting results and identify areas of concern which require a response and/or action. May brief the Commissioner or designee.
• Apply and understand labor market dynamics, workforce development best practices, and the needs of various populations, including underserved communities to implement innovative strategies and programs to address labor market needs.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications and Governor’s Press Office to ensure strategic marketing and communications requirements are met for special initiatives and projects of interest to the Commissioner and Governor.
• Facilitate public event requirements for events to be attended by the Commissioner of Labor and/or Governor, which includes preparing speeches/remarks, working with DOL Office Directors to arrange program involvement, and coordinating logistical details with event organizers.
• Supervise and direct assigned staff, including the Director of Employment Services. As appropriate, approve leave and timecards, prepare performance programs and conduct performance evaluations, take necessary corrective actions, interview and select staff, ensure training is provided as needed.
• Effectively manage conflict resolution among team members to promote a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage a variety of information of a confidential or sensitive nature with tact and discretion.
• Perform a broad range of other management duties, as required.

Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience*;Or Associate’s degree and 11 years of relevant experience*;Or J.D./Master’s degree and 8 year of relevant experience*; OrPh.D. and 7 years of relevant experience*;Or.13 years of relevant experience* *Relevant experience is based on the duties below which include policy management, strategic planning, project management, workforce training education, economic development and public administration.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in economics, public administration, education, human resource management, business administration, organizational behavior or a related field.
• Experience in a leadership role in the public sector, non-profit setting, or business arenas with workforce implementation responsibilities. Experience managing teams and guiding large-scale projects is critical. Experience managing teams through change is helpful.
• Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders

Additional Comments Position specific job duties may include occasional altered work schedule or job assignments which require availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and/or out-stationed assignments.Candidates with no previous state service will begin at the starting rate of the salary range listed above. If you are a current NYS employee and have questions regarding salary, please contact the Business Services Center (BSC): 518-457-4272, [email protected] may be available and can be discussed during the interview.Employment at the Department of Labor is contingent upon the maintenance of a valid work authorization and necessary documentation to work legally in the United States. Please note: Due to operational requirements and funding considerations of various divisions/positions, there could be occasions in the future where unit assignments may change. Should this occur, it will not impact your title, salary or location. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave (CSEA and PEF employees- 13 days; M/C employees- 8 days plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage).
• Choice of several affordable and competitive health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans at no additional cost
• Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System
• NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (full-time employees)
• Eligibility to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses
• Paid Parental LeaveOur mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers—the workers and business that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find careers they will love. We build and support New York’s businesses. We empower and protect New York’s workers. To learn more about our mission and the exciting work of the DOL, please visit: is committed to fostering employee engagement and work-life balance. We offer telecommuting and alternative work schedules to eligible employees. Eligible employees may be approved to telecommute, if operationally feasible, up to 2 days per regular work-week, and not to exceed 4 days per two-week pay period. Telecommuting can be discussed at the time of interview. Our exciting training and development opportunities, including Coursera and our formal Employee Recognition Program allow us to develop, recognize, and celebrate our workforce.Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, length of State service, and program area.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Bonny O'Mara

Telephone (518) 457-1020

Fax EFax: [email protected]

Email Address [email protected]

Address

Street Building 12 W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus

Room 561

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12226

Notes on Applying TO APPLY: Qualified candidates should copy the below web address into your browser to complete the online application for the Department of Labor. Vacancy: 209763Title: Special Assistant, Associate Commissioner for Workforce DevelopmentLocation: AlbanyPlease submit a resume and cover letter demonstrating how you meet the minimum qualifications, including specific experience with dates. It is essential to clearly describe qualifying education and experience when applying; vague or incomplete information may lead to disqualification. Unofficial transcripts and/or other documents will be required for certain positions as indicated in the minimum qualifications. All documents must be received by: 03/18/2026.Upload all documents as unlocked and accessible files. If experiencing difficulties with the above link, please contact: [email protected] from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please contact: Department of Labor, Attn: Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (ODEIA), Building 12, Albany, NY 12226 (Phone (518) 457-1984 and/or fax (518) 485-2575.)

If you have questions about this posting, please contact [email protected]