Director for Public Information - VID 221278

The Director for Public Information is a dynamic communicator and storyteller, leading the New York State Office of General Services (OGS)’s Public Information Office. Reporting to the Associate Commissioner for Communications, the Director for Public Information is a member of the Senior Staff and serves as a key driver of the OGS message. The ideal candidate will have proven press instincts and the ability to lead a small but mighty team that shapes how we communicate, connect, and engage with the public. The Director must be nimble, forward-thinking, good-humored, and politically savvy.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing day-to-day operations of the Public Information Office, ensuring agency communications, projects, and campaigns are on message and on time.
• Provide direct supervision and leadership to PIO staff by managing workflows, assigning tasks, and supporting professional development.
• Establish and enforce overarching editorial standards to ensure that all internal and external messaging remains cohesive, accurate, and aligned with broader OGS initiatives.
• Monitor OGS press coverage by compiling news clips and monitoring media outlets, and share this information with leadership.
• Assist with media relations, including answering media inquiries, writing and approving press releases, and working directly with executive staff to deliver accurate agency public information.
• Prepare the Commissioner, Executive, and other Agency staff for media interviews, presentations, testimonials, remarks, and public appearances.
• Direct the development and execution of public information campaigns focused on agency programs and initiatives that educate the public and state agency partners.
• Draft, review, and finalize high-level communications outputs, including letters, executive correspondence, and remarks for speaking engagements by the Commissioner and others in the Agency.
• Direct and coordinate press events, media outreach, and productions, ensuring all logistics and messaging are aligned.
• Lead collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to support public affairs activities, creative design, and agency communications.
• Review and edit content prepared for the agency’s website, social media, and other online platforms, working closely with the Digital team to ensure messaging consistency.
• Represent OGS by speaking to various groups, organizations, and government bodies to share our actions, plans, and policies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as required.

Requirements

• Demonstrated success in building and maintaining coalitions and relationships with both external and internal stakeholders.
• Effective written and oral communication and a high degree of responsiveness.
• Critical decision-making skills, with the ability to process information, be resourceful, encourage adaptability and creativity, and commit to a definite course of action.
• Proven ability to think strategically, work collaboratively, and maintain humor and grace under pressure.
• Ability to use an equity lens and framework to build inclusive, diverse, and safe workspaces and shape a public message.
• Travel required (approximately 20%).

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with at least five years of related professional experience.
• Ideal applicants will have a background demonstrating progressive responsibility in communications, media relations, or public information, equipping them to effectively manage workflows and lead agency messaging initiatives.

Resumes must include month and year for start and end dates. If any of this experience is less than full time you must indicate the average number of hours worked per week.

About OGS

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential support services for New York State government operations, including Executive Agencies, State Legislature, Judiciary, eligible nonprofits, school districts, and public authorities. Learn more about our agency at https://ogs.ny.gov/about-us and read our strategic plan at https://ogs.ny.gov/strategic-plan.