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DASNY (Dormitory Authority

Press Officer

DASNY (Dormitory Authority, New York, NY


Position Title: Press Officer

Location: Albany, NY or NYC

Grade/Classification: 4 - Sr. Professional

Hiring Rate: $98,296

Bargaining Unit: Confidential

FLSA Status: Exempt

Primary Purpose

The Press Officer for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) is responsible for managing media relations, creating press materials, and supporting the organization's communication strategy. This role involves proactively engaging with the media, ,ensuring accurate and consistent messaging with respect to DASNY's public image, while enhancing stakeholder understanding of DASNY mission and projects. As official spokesperson for DASNY and DASNY's president and CEO, the Press Officer responds to inquiries from the press and public and serves as a primary contact with the Governor's communications office. In addition, the Press Officer supports initiatives to market DASNY services to potential clients and supports campaigns to engage DASNY staff.

Essential Functions

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and other media professionals.
  • Pitch stories and secure media coverage to highlight DASNY's projects and achievements.
  • Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and other media materials.
  • Prepare talking points, speeches, and statements for DASNY executives and spokespersons.
  • Assist in developing and executing comprehensive communication plans.
  • Monitor media coverage and provide regular reports and analysis to senior management.
  • Identify and leverage opportunities to enhance DASNY's visibility and reputation.
  • Assist and/or lead coordinate press conferences, media briefings, and other public events.
  • Manage logistics for media-related events, including site preparation, technical setup, and post-event follow-up.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive messaging across all communication channels.
  • Assist in managing effective and time sensitive communication including drafting statements and coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
  • Monitor sensitive issues impacting or affecting DASNY and develop response to potential issues that could affect DASNY's..
  • Advise DASNY officials of the public relations impacts of DASNY's programs and policies.
  • Write materials for DASNY's annual report and assist with the management of the design and production.
  • Prepare PowerPoint presentations to be used in presentations given by senior management.
  • Assist with design and implementation of outreach and marketing campaigns presented to client and interest groups.
  • Manage and oversee the daily production of news clips to be distributed to staff.
  • Serve as liaison to the Governor's Press Office.


Other Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assist with the development, documentation, and implementation of procedures.
  • Assist with the assessment/development and implementation of internal controls and participate in the review and testing of same.
  • Undertake special assignments as directed.
  • Must maintain regular attendance in accordance with DASNY attendance and leave policies.
  • Must adhere to the NYS Information Security Policy Standards established and issued by the Office of Cyber Security and Critical Infrastructure Coordination. (Standards can be found on the Intranet).


Supervision

Supervision of employees may be required.

Physical/Mental/Visual Demands

Requires occasional travel for events and media engagements. using public transportation, rental vehicle, DASNY vehicle or personal vehicle. This travel may include overnight stays at public accommodations and related establishments. Requires complex and time pressured decision-making. Requires ability to hear and operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to work overtime or extended work hours as needed.

Work Environment

Standard office environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, plus five years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar role.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field plus seven years of high-level journalist or media experience.

Knowledge of the public sector and/or construction industry.

Essential Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong understanding of the media landscape and proven experience in securing media coverage.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Experience with social media platforms and digital communication strategies.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media and stakeholders.
  • Capable of developing and executing strategic communication plans.
  • Flexible and responsive to changing circumstances and needs.


Benefits information:

DASNY provides financing and construction services to public and private universities, not-for-profit healthcare facilities, and other institutions which serve the public good.

We offer a comprehensive benefits plan, which includes:

  • Choice of several health insurance plans
  • Dental & vision insurance
  • Membership in the NYS Retirement System
  • Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
  • 13 vacation days per year
  • 13 sick days per year
  • 5 days of personal leave per year
  • 12 paid holidays per year (plus one float day)
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Training & development opportunities


We offer additional benefits, which includes:

  • Telecommuting Work Plan - Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management to telecommute according to DASNY's Telecommuting Program Guidelines. The days designated as telecommute days must be consistent with operational needs as determined by DASNY division, department and/or unit management. Employees may only telecommute on up to four (4) workdays per pay period and shall be limited to no more than two (2) contiguous telecommute workdays. Eligibility applies after 3 months of employment.
  • Limited Work from Home (LWFH) - additional telecommute days according to DASNY's Telecommuting Program Guidelines. Eligibility applies after 6 months of employment.
  • DASNY is a government employer for purposes of the Public Services Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF Program). The PSLF Program forgives the remaining balance of certain student loans after making 120 qualifying monthly payments. For more information regarding PSLF Program and whether you qualify please visit the Studentaid.gov website.