Assistant Director, Innovation Workforce Initiatives (Temp)

Job Summary Reporting to the Executive Director or other senior staff of the NYSTAR division of Empire State Development, the Assistant Director, Innovation Workforce Initiatives will support ESD in managing, developing and executing its efforts to ensure that New York State has a sufficiently skilled workforce to meet the needs of emerging innovation sectors and to support the state’s economy, with a special emphasis on the impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the state’s labor market. This role will include supporting both strategic projects initiated from within ESD, such as the current work on Life Sciences and Quantum, and projects initiated by the Executive Chamber to coordinate ESD’s participation, such as the Governor’s FutureWorks Commission. Anticipated duration of this role is 18 months. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary manager of the consulting contract between ESD and the selected company supporting the FutureWorks Commission, including monitoring deliverables, reviewing material quality, and ensuring project scope fulfillment. Coordinate among multiple ESD staff and departments to manage the contract and provide coordinated feedback to the Executive Chamber and consultants on all FutureWorks board materials. Perform detailed reviews of all consultant materials on behalf of ESD, create internal summaries, flag issues, and coordinate feedback from across ESD. Draft and coordinate the finalization of required responses or content for ESD on a timely basis. Assist with post‑Commission proposals and implementation preparation, including support for State of the State and/or Budget proposals, program design, and processes to ensure continued external stakeholder feedback. Support the rapidly growing portfolio of Innovation Workforce activities that address AI impacts, including initiatives within the Life Sciences Division and upcoming work around Quantum and other sectors. Manage the activities of any consulting firm engaged in both substantive and administrative capacities, as well as any advisory or commission boards created by ESD. Conduct research of existing studies, reports, and other materials to shape ESD proposals, requests for proposals, and prepare necessary briefings. Monitor and help manage large, rapidly expanding federal grant opportunities related to AI and workforce development across NYSTAR and ESD. Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, economics, data science, labor relations, science, or a related field (Master’s preferred). Experience: At least 5 years of relevant full‑time professional experience. Knowledge: Technology and economic development fields relevant to the innovation economy – technology regulation, tax policy, economic incentives, workforce development, public‑private partnerships, R&D, commercialization, and business marketing. Preferred: Familiarity with New York State government policies and programs and/or experience working within federal or state government agencies or the Legislature. Competencies – Adaptability: Self‑starter mindset capable of navigating a fast‑evolving technological landscape with strong project management and attention to detail. Competencies – Analytical & Technical Literacy: Scientific and technical literacy, government policy experience, advisory board experience, coordination across teams within an agency, and ability to grasp AI/automation mechanics and deployment timelines. Strong economic and labor market analysis, data synthesis, and the ability to translate complex information into actionable policy insights. Application Requirements Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered. This position requires in‑office presence; hybrid schedules may be possible based on specific duties and in accordance with ESD policy. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources for accommodations. Additional Information Salary range as specified. Comprehensive benefits package. #J-18808-Ljbffr Empire State Development