Special Assistant (Chief of Staff)

$137,457 - $173,664/Yr

State of New York - Rensselaer, NY

Full-time - Manager

Rensselaer, NY

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Special Assistant (Chief of Staff) position at the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is a pivotal role that primarily supports the Commissioner in various capacities. This includes project management and coordination of both internal and external projects, acting as the primary liaison to the Executive Chamber's human services portfolio, and preparing necessary research and background information for special events. The role also involves overseeing the executive office support team, managing the agency's portfolio of boards and appointments, and accompanying the Commissioner to events across the state as required. In this role, the Special Assistant will serve as OCFS's executive liaison, assisting the Executive Chamber with requests for information, data, and special assignments. The position requires the implementation of strategic directions as identified by the Commissioner, working closely with executive leadership to ensure these strategies are effectively executed throughout the agency. The Special Assistant will also be responsible for developing and managing relationships with both external and internal partners to fulfill the agency's mission. Communication is a key aspect of this role, as the Special Assistant will disseminate information and communicate ideas and policies on behalf of the Commissioner. They will respond to various issues that arise, both internally and externally, and direct project teams responsible for project planning, policy analysis, and research. Additionally, the Special Assistant will represent the Commissioner at meetings, conferences, and public events as needed, and will manage special projects and legislative budget hearing preparations. The position also involves advising and developing internal and external communications in collaboration with the Executive Deputy Commissioner, facilitating day-to-day operations of the agency, and managing emergent issues. The Special Assistant will represent the Commissioner and/or Executive Deputy Commissioner on workgroups that align with the Governor's priorities and special projects requiring OCFS participation. The role may also include additional duties as requested by the Commissioner.

Responsibilities

• Support the Commissioner by providing project management and coordination of internal and external projects.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Executive Chamber's human services portfolio.
• Prepare research and background information for special events.
• Oversee the executive office support team.
• Manage the agency's portfolio of boards and appointments.
• Prepare and accompany the Commissioner to events throughout the state.
• Assist the Executive Chamber with requests for information, data, and special assignments.
• Implement strategic direction as identified by the Commissioner.
• Develop and manage relationships with external and internal partners.
• Disseminate information and communicate ideas and policies on behalf of the Commissioner.
• Respond to internal and external issues on behalf of the Commissioner.
• Direct project teams responsible for project planning, policy analysis, and research.
• Represent the Commissioner at meetings, conferences, and public events.
• Manage special projects for the Commissioner and organize legislative budget hearing preparations.
• Advise and develop internal and external communications necessary for agency operations.
• Work collaboratively with Deputy Commissioners and Legal staff to manage day-to-day operations.
• Represent the Commissioner on workgroups supporting the Governor's priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• Eight years of experience managing projects or teams.
• Public sector or human services experience is preferred.
• Ability to be a self-starter and function independently.
• Ability to collaborate and work well in a team environment.
• Excellent analytical skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Benefits

• Telecommuting allowed.