Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyAgriculture & Markets, Department of

TitleAssociate Director of Public Information

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $90931 to $114940 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8:30 AM

To 4:30 AM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Onondaga

Street Address 581 State Fair Blvd.

City Syracuse

StateNY

Zip Code13209

Job Specifics

Duties Description Harvest your potential with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets! Join our team and become an integral part of a team dedicated to fostering a competitive food and agriculture industry that benefits both producers and consumers alike. Here, you can cultivate your career in a dynamic environment that values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement. With a wide range of opportunities spanning from environmental science to economic development, you can find your niche in public service and grow both professionally and personally. Embrace the chance to join our team, and you’ll not only reap a fulfilling career but also sow the seeds for a healthier, stronger New York.

Position Information:
The Associate Director of Public Information will report to the Director of Public Information and will be located at the New York State Fair in Syracuse, NY. This position will assist in the development and implementation of a media relations plan, priorities, and systems that meet the present and future needs of the Department of Agriculture and Markets. The incumbent will be responsible for performing the full range of public information and communications activities required, such as preparing written and audiovisual materials used in promoting or publicizing the State Fair’s program and will be assigned special projects in collaboration with the Department’s Executive Staff, Division Directors, and Executive Chamber staff. The Associate Director of Public Information will need to have excellent communication in all facets including verbal, written, and visual communication. This position will spearhead external communications and promotions as it relates to the New York State Fair, including promotion of the 13-day New York State Fair and various year-round events taking place on the Fairgrounds. It will require the incumbent to possess strong leadership ability, experience in crisis communications, and a high degree of professionalism.

This is a full-time, permanent, exempt-class position in Syracuse, New York. As an exempt-class position, the selected incumbent will work at the pleasure of the appointing authority. The Associate Director of Public Information is a PEF bargaining-unit represented position that offers a competitive annual salary of $90,931 with excellent benefits. Benefits include NYS Pension Plan membership, inexpensive health insurance options, and generous paid time off!

Specific Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Assists the Director in the strategic development, coordination, and execution of the Fair’s external communications.

- Assists the Director of Public Information in defining issues and newsworthy content in consultation with Commissioner, Executive Staff, Division Directors, and stakeholders (trade groups, agricultural industry representatives, and organizations), particularly as it relates to the State Fair.

- Writes and formats press releases, media advisories, statements, etc. When necessary, consults with Department Counsel and Fiscal Management Offices, the agricultural industry, and organizations. Disseminates to news outlets and follows up.

- Contacts news outlets across the state to provide them with applicable information related to press conferences and/or appearances. Coordinates the specific location and necessary materials, props, and equipment needed for press conferences. Coordinates photography and media coverage and prepares written remarks for Department staff.

- Answers inquiries from the media, the public, and other government agencies to provide information on the Department’s activities, particularly the State Fair.

- Represents the Director and other Executive staff in his/her absence, as required; acts as spokesperson for the New York State Fair.

- Writes and edits speeches, talking points, briefing papers, presentations, publications, and special reports required by the agency or Governor’s Office.

- Maintains effective relationships with the various media enterprises following established policies and guidelines.

- Coordinates dissemination of releases, statements, advisories and other content via the Fair’s and Fairgrounds’ websites, social media channels, and Department newsletter.

Develops a communications and public relations plan that meets the present and future needs of both the Department and the Divisions, particularly the State Fair.

- Formulates a comprehensive and balanced plan and workable internal communication protocols and procedures that will develop and focus the Department’s message(s) and makes maximal use of the newest technologies and media culture, including digital media.

- Consults with all Division Directors and program managers, particularly the State Fair Director and emergency management personnel, to understand and implement their public relations needs in all types of media (print, TV, public service announcements, trade show exhibits, displays, radio, internet, etc.).

- Consults with the Commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner, and Deputy Commissioners to understand the issues, ideas, initiatives, and public relations needs of the entire Department and its divisions.

- Consults with Department Counsel and the Director of Fiscal Management to ascertain the legal constraints and fiscal resources that will impact the Division or Department’s public relations plans or efforts.

- Advises Department administrators regarding the appropriate means to achieve public information objectives and goals, assisting in speech writing activities, and recommending media use.

- Performs special assignments for the Commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner, and other Department Executive staff, as needed.

Assists in the development of a robust marketing and advertising plan for the Fair and the Fair’s year-round facilities’ rental business.

- Assists the Director of Public Information with the creation of the overall strategy for advertising and marketing the Fair each year in collaboration with the Fair’s advertising agency and the Fair Director.

- Serves as Contract Manager for the Division of the Fair’s contract with its advertising agency, checking billing for accuracy, and ensuring spending remains within legally contracted limits.

- Collaborates with the Fair’s Social Media Manager on the creation of a strategy for growth of the Fair’s social media channels using written content, graphics, paid advertising, contesting, and other opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in public information, public relations, communications, or marketing capacity.

Substitutions: Four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for a bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Additional Comments Salary and Benefits:
This position is located at 581 State Fair Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13209. We offer a professional and comfortable working environment with ample free parking. This PEF bargaining-unit represented position offers a competitive annual salary range of $90,931-$114,940, with excellent benefits. Benefits include but are not limited to inexpensive Health Insurance options, free Dental and Vision coverage, NYS Pension Plan membership, and generous paid time off. Within the first year, you are eligible for 5 days of personal time, 13 vacation days, 13 sick days, and 13 paid holidays!

As a New York State employee, you could potentially qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)! The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your direct loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan and while working full-time for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets or another eligible employer.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

How to Apply

Name Amy Sacco

Telephone 518-457-3216

Fax

Email Address HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov

Address

Street 10B Airline Drive

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12235

 

Notes on ApplyingCandidates that are eligible and interested in being considered for appointment to one of these opportunities must copy and paste this link to apply:

https://recruitingbypaycor.com/career/SubmitResume.action?clientId=8a7883d07a219b0d017a53a2e3bb0f9a&id=8a7887a8958c3d100195f7d5060d0e91&specialization=

Position Vacancy Online Application by: May 12, 2025. Within this online application please upload your resume, cover letter, and unofficial transcript.

If you have any questions, please contact Amy Sacco in Human Resources at (518) 457-3216 or HarvestYourPotential@agriculture.ny.gov.