Communications Assistant (Executive Assistant, NS)

The New York State Department of Financial Services seeks to build an equitable, transparent, and resilient financial system that benefits individuals and supports business. Through engagement, data-driven regulation and policy, and operational excellence, the Department and its employees are responsible for empowering consumers and protecting them from financial harm; ensuring the health of the entities we regulate; driving economic growth in New York through responsible innovation; and preserving the stability of the global financial system.

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) is seeking candidates for the position of Communications Assistant in External Affairs & Strategy to support the dynamic DFS external affairs and media operations in the office. Under the direction of the Director of Communications and Assistant Deputy Superintendent for External Affairs and Strategy, this position will be responsible for supporting media strategies to generate news media coverage and public awareness of DFS’ activities and initiatives in New York, New York.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives and monitors incoming media inquiries via phone and email from reporters and works with the team to coordinate responses;
• Compiles and manages the distribution of morning news clips regarding the Department and the DFS Superintendent;
• Monitors and shares media and press coverage of DFS and the DFS Superintendent;
• Drafts, proofreads, and prepares press releases, opinion-editorials, blog posts, newsletters, briefing memos, internal announcements, and earned media plans;
• Maintains and develops accurate press lists and contacts;
• Assists in event coordination, including open press events;
• Provides special projects support for External Affairs and Strategy team as needed; and
• Assists with management of Department social media accounts; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications

• 6 years of full-time experience in communications, public relations, or journalism.

o Substitutions: Associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of specialized experience; master's degree may substitute for five years of specialized experience; J.D. may substitute for six years of specialized experience

• Ability to manage multiple projects at once in a deadline driven environment.
• Ability to work quickly to meet demands in a dynamic, news cycle; work flexible hours.
• Ability to navigate last-minute assignment requests.
• Knowledge of New York State media market.
• Experience in building news media relationships.
• Ability to translate public policy and regulations into concise messages for the media and public.

Appointment Method:

This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority.