Deputy Press Secretary

About The State University of New York :

The State University of New York is the largest comprehensive system of higher education in the United States, and more than 95 percent of all New Yorkers live within 30 miles of any one of SUNY's 64 colleges and universities. Across the system, SUNY has four academic health centers, five hospitals, four medical schools, two dental schools, a law school, the state's only college of optometry, and manages one US Department of Energy National Laboratory. In total, SUNY serves about 1.4 million students amongst its entire portfolio of credit- and non-credit-bearing courses and programs, continuing education, and community outreach programs. SUNY oversees nearly a quarter of academic research in New York. Research expenditures system-wide are nearly $1.1 billion in fiscal year 2022, including significant contributions from students and faculty. There are more than three million SUNY alumni worldwide, and one in three New Yorkers with a college degree is a SUNY alum. To learn more about how SUNY creates opportunities, visit www.suny.edu.

Job Description:

The Deputy Press Secretary is a vital member of the SUNY System Administration media relations team. Charged with supporting SUNY's Chancellor and leadership team to promote SUNY as a world-class institution of high quality, accessible, and affordable education, this candidate can expect to draft communications, have regular contact with reporters, and travel in advance of the Chancellor to manage visits and events across New York State on a weekly basis.

In coordination with the media relations, government affairs, and creative and marketing teams, the Deputy Press Secretary will:

• Draft press releases, opinion pieces, and feature stories
• Pitch potential stories to reporters and news outlets
• Provide opportunities for the SUNY Chancellor to speak to the critical role of higher education in facing issues impacting the citizens of New York State and the nation
• Research and prepare the Chancellor and senior leadership for media interviews
• Assist Press Secretary with communicating policy initiatives
• Respond to daily media inquiries
• Manage the daily news clips

Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• 5 or more years of experience in public relations, media, journalism, or related field
• Strong writing and editing skills are required
• Able to multi-task and work in a deadline-driven environment
• Established contacts in TV, newspaper, and radio outlets

Additional Information:

• This position can be located in either our Albany or New York City Office
• Travel to any of the 64 campuses in the SUNY system is expected with some overnights.
• The Deputy Press Secretary will report to Assistant Vice Chancellor for Media Relations and Press Secretary.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications. Excellent Benefit Package which includes; NYS health insurance, free dental and vision, competitive retirement options, tuition assistance and generous vacation, sick and holiday accruals. Strong focus on work-life balance.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates are invited to apply online. Please submit a cover letter, resume and four professional references when applying. The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

State University of New York System Administration is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.

Pursuant to Executive Order 161, no State entity, as defined by the Executive Order, is permitted to ask, or mandate, in any form, that an applicant for employment provide their current compensation, or any prior compensation history, until such time as the applicant is extended a conditional offer of employment with compensation. If such information has been requested from you before such time, please contact the Governor's Office of Employee Relations at (518) 474-6988 or via email at info@goer.ny.gov