Public Information Specialist 1 (NY HELPS)

About the role

The New York State Division of Human Rights is a nation-leading civil rights enforcement agency tasked with combating hate, bias, and discrimination through the enforcement of the New York State Human Rights Law—one of the most expansive state-level civil rights laws in the country.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and review public information materials and content that explain the New York State Human Rights Law, the Division’s discrimination reporting and complaint process, and the rights and protections guaranteed to New Yorkers under the law. This includes:
  • Press releases, talking points, remarks, statements, presentations
  • Short- and long-form video scripts
  • Newsletters, web content, fact sheets, brochures
  • Materials for internal agency communications
• Assist in coordination of media relations activities, including:
  • Developing and maintaining press relationships
  • Responding to press inquiries
  • Developing media and pitching plans for specific agency initiatives and announcements
  • Tracking media coverage
• Work with units across the Division to identify compelling stories, accomplishments, data, and information that demonstrate the Division’s impact.
• Monitor civil and human rights-focused news, compile daily news clip reports for internal circulation, and identify opportunities for the Division to engage with relevant news stories and events.
• Maintain the Division’s website by updating language and ensuring public-facing documents meet accessibility and quality assurance standards.
• Staff events where the Division is represented, including taking photos and videos and engaging with members of the media.
• Coordinate with other New York State agencies, community organizations, and external partners on shared communications initiatives.
• Organize and maintain internal documents and files for the Communications Unit.
• Serve as the team’s point of contact for vendors who translate vital documents into languages for distribution to New Yorkers across the state.
• Assist with capturing content for social media as needed, including filming content and/or acting as on-screen talent for videos produced by the Division.
• Perform other communications and public information duties as needed.

Requirements

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

• Current New York State Division of Human Rights employee with one year or more permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service as a Public Information Specialist 1 and interested in reassignment; OR
• Current New York State employees with one year or more of permanent, contingent-permanent, or 55b/c service in a position at SG-16 or above and eligible for transfer under section 70.1 of the Civil Service Law.

Qualifications

Non-Competitive Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND two years of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media; OR
• Master’s or higher degree in media, new media, English, communications, journalism, broadcasting, public relations, films, TV productions, or digital marketing AND one year of experience in public or governmental relations, and/or in writing or producing content for various media; OR
• Six years of the experience described above.

Non-qualifying degrees: Political science, theater, sports science, and education.

Non-qualifying experience: Experience limited to blogs, personal business, or personal webpage/website will not be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills; proven attention to detail while aligning messaging with organizational communications priorities and strategies.
• Ability to communicate complicated information clearly, succinctly, and accurately for a public audience.
• Experience pitching and securing news coverage with state, local, and national media outlets.
• Experience working in government, civil rights, journalism, public affairs, or other relevant sectors.
• Ability to remain collected and organized while prioritizing competing responsibilities; adept understanding of what quality and quantity of work is needed to meet deadlines.
• Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders including reporters, journalists, Division employees, and leadership.
• Proven experience developing and delivering succinct, informative, and thoroughly crafted messaging; strong written and verbal communications skills.
• Proficiency in a language other than English.

Candidates will be required to submit at least three writing samples that showcase a diverse portfolio of content and their skills. These samples can include press releases, digital video scripts, speeches, talking points, etc.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including holiday and paid time off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable health care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program
• Additional $4,000 location pay

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.