Chief of External Affairs & Strategic Communications

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, protecting them from financial harm, ensuring the health of the entities they regulate, driving economic growth in New York through responsible innovation, and preserving the stability of the global financial system. Responsibilities Leads communications strategy across DFS, inclusive of executive communications, crisis communications, employee engagement, regulated entity engagement, and media relations; Ensures the Department’s brand identity, ensuring all design materials and content follow brand guidelines and the Department’s established voice; Develops a message framework in coordination with the Superintendent and Senior Advisors, aligned to the Department’s strategic priorities, filtering all messaging, media relations, stakeholder engagement, and written communications through the framework; Acts as the primary liaison for the Superintendent’s executive communications strategy, including speaking engagements, media relations, and engagement with all stakeholders; Manages the Division’s operations and budget, overseeing a team of 10+ people in New York City and Albany. Maintains and develops processes and policies to drive efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency; Oversees internal communications for 1,400 employees, driving employee engagement through culture-building events, town halls, and videos. Manages the rollout of internal restructurings and leadership changes; Manages all crisis communications, working closely with other members of the Executive staff to protect the Department’s reputation; Oversees the Office of International Affairs, building and strengthening relationships with global regulators through supervisory roundtables, the Transatlantic Regulatory Exchange, and thought leadership; Works closely with the Senior Advisor to the Superintendent to develop state government relations strategy aligned with communications; Works with subject matter experts to foster positive engagement with the federal government and international relationships; Works with Executive Deputies and the Superintendent to issue clear and concise communications to regulated entities as needed; Coordinates DFS matters that pertain to industry groups, and represents the Superintendent to various committees, task forces, and/or advocacy groups; Manages DFS advisory boards, including membership, meeting cadence, agendas, and Superintendent involvement; Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications At least 14 years of relevant work experience, 5 of which must have been at the managerial level. 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; Ph.D. may substitute for seven years of specialized experience. Strong leadership skills and high emotional intelligence. Ability to work well within a matrixed organization. Ability to think strategically while executing on day-to-day priorities. Exceptional organization skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and timelines effectively. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Salary: $172,787 - $213,995 (salary commensurate with experience). Positions located within the New York City metropolitan area, as well as Suffolk, Nassau, Rockland, and Westchester Counties, are also eligible to receive an additional $4,000 annual downstate adjustment. Appointment Status: This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. Appointment to this position is pending Governor Appointment’s Office and Division of Budget approval. #J-18808-Ljbffr New York State Department of Financial Services