Special Assistant

Duties Description Duties include but are not limited to:
• Overseeing the public information program in the NYSDOT Region 5 (Western NY) region.
• Working independently while communicating within the Department and the public, including writing Department documents such as press releases and materials for multi-regional public meetings.
• Serving DOT as regional spokesperson for news media, and overseeing communications for the Region 5 office
• Serving as the point of contact for media in the region during extreme weather events.
• Serve as key liaison to the regional director and senior staff, and liaison to the community as needed through various projects.
• Represent the agency at public events including but not limited to public meetings, open houses, job fairs and stakeholder meetings.
• Advise Regional Director and main office communications staff on public relations matters within the regions.
• Perform internal communications functions within the region as needed, including targeted messages from the Regional Director and the regional Intradot.
• Critical thinking and strong writing skills required. On camera experience preferred.
• Responsible for social media account representing NYSDOT 5.
• Active knowledge of the Incident Command System, which is critical during emergency situations. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications A bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience.*
*Substitutions: four years of specialized experience (four years of experience in public/media relations, social media, and digital communications) or associate's degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for 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
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.


The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position. For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. For more salary information please visit

DOT is an equal opportunity employer. Disabled persons are encouraged to apply.


In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made. The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar).

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

Name Heather Childs


Telephone


Fax


Email Address View email address on click.appcast.io


Address

Street NYS Department of Transportation, Personnel Bureau


50 Wolf Road


City Albany


State NY


Zip Code 12232


Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest, a current resume, and a copy of required transcripts (if applicable), titled by last name, with the Notice Number MO-26-337 and last name in the subject line and referenced in the letter of interest no later than September 25, 2026 to:
NYS Department of Transportation
Attn: Heather Childs
Personnel Bureau
50 Wolf Road
Albany, NY 12232
Email: dot.sm.mo.hr.personnel