Assistant Public Information Officer

Description

Duties Description

Under DEC Region 7 Regional Direction, the Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) will be responsible for the media strategy of DEC Region 7’s public-presence, serving as the primary point of contact for receiving and responding to media inquiries. The APIO will assist with communication strategy development aligned with DEC Press Office and Regional Leadership, will engage both regional media outlets, local governments, stakeholders and the public to promote awareness of DEC regional priorities and initiatives. The APIO will serve as the region’s Indian Nation Affairs Coordinator, support regional Environmental Justice efforts, and serve in additional coordination roles as applicable. The APIO will work in person in the DEC Region 7 Headquarters located in Syracuse, with some travel throughout the nine-county region. Limited telecommuting opportunities may be available.

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Plan, oversee, and implement proactive media outreach in DEC Region 7, including attending and organizing press events, drafting press releases, and serving as the primary point of contact for incoming media inquiries as part of an overall communications strategy in coordination with DEC’s Office of Media Relations and DEC natural resource and environmental quality programs;
• Plan and coordinate public appearances for Regional Director and Region 7 staff, lead speaking engagement preparation, and serve as spokesperson as needed;
• Understand complex environmental information/scientific concepts, have familiarity with the multiple layers of government decision making processes, and be proficient in articulating public-friendly summaries of complex environmental issues in plain language for broad public consumption;
• Develop and disseminate traditional media content, such as press releases and media advisories, statements, talking points, op-eds, and letters to the editor;
• Conduct and facilitate media interviews and compose written responses to media inquiries in coordination with DEC subject matter experts;
• Serve as DEC Region 7 Indian Nation Affairs Coordinator, acting in close communication with DEC’s Office of Indian Nation Affairs, to be the region’s designated liaison consulting on a government-to-government basis with state and federally recognized Indigenous Nation representatives on mutual areas of interest relating to the local environment;
• Coordinate regional communications with local elected officials, stakeholders, environmental justice communities, and regional internship programs;
• Work closely with Regional Public Participation Specialists and Environmental Educators in DEC’s Division of Communications, Education, and Engagement to carry out a cohesive community engagement strategy;
• Support DEC efforts to engage local Environmental Justice communities and ensure underserved communities and underrepresented voices are considered in DEC actions;
• Help develop content for DEC’s website, digital and social media, and publications, as part of an overall communications strategy;
• Attend meetings, interviews, and other public events, with the ability to participate in events scheduled on designated weekends or evenings as necessary;
• Proofread and edit written content prepared by others to ensure accuracy, consistency, clarity, and adherence to both AP style and DEC style guides;
• May supervise staff; and
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and five years of relevant experience in a communications, journalism, government relations, public and media relations, and/or related field.

Preferred qualifications: Ability to work well in a fast-paced team environment and manage multiple projects with imminent deadlines simultaneously; excellent written and verbal communication skills; familiarity with New York State and DEC’s vast environmental portfolio; coursework or experience with natural resource and environmental quality programs such as air, water, wetlands, fish and wildlife, forestry, and environmental remediation; strong analytical skills and creative thinking; knowledge and experience working in the press, government, and/or public relations fields with prior experience developing and implementing strategic communication campaigns; understanding of Environmental Justice; and familiarity with state and federally recognized Indian Nations and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) concepts.

Additional Comments

Must have a valid driver’s license or demonstrate the ability to meet the transportation needs of the position.

Must be able to negotiate difficult terrain.

Must be able to work in adverse weather conditions.

Travel may be required.

Overtime may be required.

Overnight travel may be required.

Weekends and holidays may be required.

Must be available for emergency response.

Must be available to respond to after-hours emergencies.

Telecommuting may be available, will be discussed at interview.

We offer a work-life balance and a generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Shift & Geographic pay differentials
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, and U.S. Savings Bonds
• And many more...
  
  

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.

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. DEC is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. DEC embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.