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New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State.

A Civil Service exam is not required for this position. Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications outlined below to be considered.

NYS Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is committed to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Our work would not be possible without the diverse backgrounds, experiences, ideas, and abilities of our employees. HCR is committed to developing a workforce which represents the diverse population of New York State. HCR embraces a diverse and inclusive work environment by encouraging all individuals, including those with disabilities, to apply to open positions at the agency.

The Public Information Office (PIO) identifies opportunities to promote agency activities and initiatives, serves as HCR’s liaison with the media, and plans and executes public events. PIO values professionals that enjoy working in a fast-paced environment and who have the skills required to effectively support the department’s mission to provide the public and media with timely and accurate information and to enhance communications and relationships between New Yorkers and the agency.

Job Summary:

The Assistant Public Information Officer helps to manage and promote the internal and external messaging of New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the State of New York Mortgage Agency. The ideal candidate will have more than five years of communications and media relations experience, and exceptionally strong writing and editing skills. This role will require the ability to work under deadline in a fast-paced environment and respond to rapidly changing demands, manage multiple tasks simultaneously, coordinate with internal and external stakeholders

+ Writing and copyediting press releases, social media messages, external emails, and other types of Agency materials;

+ Preparing responses to media inquiries and serving as an Agency spokesperson;

+ Drafting public remarks, event briefings, talking points and additional executive materials;

+ Serving as the PIO representative at public events across New York State;

+ Providing support to the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information and Communications as needed; and

+ Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

+ Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism marketing or related field.

+ Three or more years of experience in communications, public relations, or marketing.

+ Ability to multi-task and efficiently manage several projects simultaneously under tight deadlines and with great attention to detail.

+ Distinctive portfolio demonstrating strong conceptual work with excellent execution of ideas

+ Effective communication and time management skills .

+ A can-do attitude, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for learning on the job.

+ Willingness to push creative boundaries while ensuring that all work follows appropriate style guides and standards.

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive and employee will be expected to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

What we offer at NYSHCR:

+ Extensive benefits package including paid leave, including excellent health, dental, vision and retirement benefits (https://www.osc.state.ny.us/retirement) with the New York State & Local Employees’ Retirement System.

+ Promotional opportunity for dedicated professionals

+ Work life balance benefits including a 37.5 hour work week and paid time off benefits including, vacation, sick, personal days, and Federal Holidays

+ Opportunity for compressed scheduling

+ 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

+ Paid Family Leave

+ Opportunity for compressed/flextime scheduling

+ As a New York State employee, you may qualify to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service) (PSLF). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments under an accepted repayment plan (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-repayment-plans) and while working full-time for an eligible (https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service#qualifying-employment) employer.

Additional SONYMA/HFA/AHC Benefits:

+ Cash in for Wellness! This program provides you with the option of buying or renewing a health club membership of your choice or enrolling in a weight loss and or smoking cessation program, using your sick leave accruals.

+ Tuition reimbursement program – for job related and non-job related courses

+ Vacation Leave Buy-Back program – Subject to approval, every year eligible employees may exchange previously earned and accrued vacation time in return for cash compensation (at employee’s daily rate of pay at time of exchange)

+ Access to Plum Benefits – savings on movie tickets, theme parks, hotels, tours, Broadway shows and more!

+ Optical reimbursement program – Employees are eligible for optical, hearing aid, and podiatric expenses not otherwise covered by insurance, with a maximum aggregate amount of $650 per year, per family. Unused yearly balances may be carried over to the next year for a maximum of $1300

About New York State Homes and Community Renewal:

Under the leadership of Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas, HCR is a vibrant, innovative agency that integrates and leverages New York State’s housing resources. We have offices in New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Syracuse, and employ a diverse workforce of professionals who are hard-working and committed to serving low and moderate income families. Our mission is far reaching, encompassing single and multifamily housing finance, home improvement, rent regulation, housing subsidies, and community development. We partner regularly with a variety of public and private stakeholders.

Achieving this mission requires a wide range of skills and backgrounds in public policy, administration, real estate, construction. finance, law, and many other areas of expertise. We seek to provide a workplace environment that is productive, flexible, accountable, ethical, and caring. Our employees are empowered to make a difference where they live and work. We offer competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package, including paid leave, health, dental, vision, retirement, and family-friendly policies.