Project assistant

Duties Description

The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Educational Policy is seeking candidates for a Project Assistant position in the Commissioner’s Office. The full-time contractual Project Assistant position will support implementation of the Department’s initiatives related to the New York 250th Commemoration Commission. This work honors the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution by fostering inclusive historical reflection, statewide civic engagement, and educational enrichment. The Commission’s multi-year initiative includes public exhibitions, professional learning opportunities, regional partnerships, and youth-centered projects across the state. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate implementation across three major strategic initiatives:
• History in Our Backyard – statewide educational television and museum-based programming.
• Empower Local Partners – grants to counties, BOCES, and local organizations.
• Tapestry of New York – a student-led storytelling and art initiative.
• Serve as the principal liaison between NYSED, the NY250 Commission, the Archives Partnership Trust, NYS Parks, and other internal/external partners;
• Manage budgets, reporting, and deliverables for NYSED’s $2.5 million implementation plan;
• Oversee project timelines, workflow, and alignment with legislative and policy goals;
• Organize events, convenings, and press opportunities in coordination with the Department’s Communications Office;
• Track and report on project milestones, including documentation for state-level reporting and presentations to the Commission;
• Lead outreach to stakeholders across education, museum, Indigenous, and historical communities statewide;
• Provide logistical and strategic support for key commemorative initiatives such as the Revolutionary New York exhibit, the Sullivan-Clinton marker reinterpretation project, and the Tapestry student quilt contest;
• Coordinate development and distribution of NY250 resources through digital platforms and statewide partners;
• Participate in regular planning meetings and provide written updates and briefing materials to NYSED leadership; and
• Coordinate communications, social media, and press releases in coordination with the NYSED Communication Office.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree AND three years professional experience in project management, communications, public history, education, or cultural programming experience or a related field. A master’s degree in communications or advertising may substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to facilitate collaboration across multiple stakeholders.
• Experience coordinating public outreach and managing communications efforts.
• Strong organizational, writing, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with New York State education systems, historical interpretation, or commemoration planning preferred.
  
  

It is essential that candidates clearly and concisely indicate exactly how they meet the above minimum qualifications in their resume. Failure to show how you meet the minimum qualifications above may result in disqualification and removal from consideration.

Additional Comments

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This will be a temporary appointment. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree will be required at the time of interview for all candidates. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period and is granted at the discretion of the supervisor and the appointing office. This position will require 15% in-state/Statewide travel. Federal law may impose additional requirements or restrictions regarding positions that receive federal funding.

This position leads to a maximum salary of $109,650 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

APPLICATION: Qualified candidates should send a resume and letter of interest by September 24, 2025 to [email protected] (email submissions are preferred). Your resume must clearly indicate how you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. You must include the Box number (OEP-75/51557) of the position in the subject line of your email and cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. Links to application materials will not be accepted (i.e., Google Docs). Your social security number may be required to confirm your eligibility.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights 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, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.

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Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:

Holiday & Paid Time Off

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20+ days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA/NYSCOPBA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.
  
  

Health Care Benefits

• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
  
  

Additional Benefits

• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Opportunities for telecommuting.
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.