Position Information

NY HELPNo

AgencyHigher Education Services Corporation

TitleDirector of Communications (Project Assistant)

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitPS&T - Professional, Scientific, and Technical (PEF)

Salary RangeFrom $106898 to $131665 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Temporary

Jurisdictional Class Competitive Class

Travel Percentage 0%

Schedule

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 8 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

Location

County Albany

Street Address 99 Washington Ave

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12110

Job Specifics

Duties Description Duties Description:

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications, the Director of Communications serves as a senior leader within the HESC Communications Division and is responsible for setting and executing the agency’s digital and content strategy. This role provides strategic direction and operational leadership for HESC’s web, graphics, editorial, outreach, and training teams, ensuring all communications advance HESC’s mission and align with statewide higher education and financial aid priorities.

The Director oversees a comprehensive portfolio of communication initiatives designed to increase awareness, understanding, and utilization of New York State higher education financial aid programs. The position emphasizes modern, audience-centered communication approaches that effectively reach students, families, educators, and institutional partners, particularly Millennial and Generation Z audiences, through accessible, data-informed, and technology-forward methods.

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all digital and content-driven communications, including web, email, social media, graphics, video, presentations, outreach materials, and training resources.

Direct the planning, development, and execution of integrated communication campaigns that support HESC’s strategic goals, policy initiatives, and statewide priorities.

Oversee the agency’s public-facing website and digital ecosystem, including content strategy, information architecture, user experience, accessibility compliance, and ongoing modernization efforts.

Establish priorities, delegate work, monitor progress, and ensure high-quality deliverables across all functions of the communications division.

Review, edit, and approve content, including web copy – Inter- and Intra-net, newsletters, reports, scripts, toolkits, presentations, and executive-facing materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, consistency, and alignment with agency messaging.

Establish and enforce editorial standards, branding guidelines, and content governance practices across all platforms.

Oversee the creation and distribution of digital newsletters and outreach communications tailored to students, parents, counselors, financial aid professionals, and internal stakeholders.

Analyze digital performance metrics, usability testing results, and engagement data; translate insights into actionable improvements to increase effectiveness and audience reach.

Collaborate closely with ITS, external vendors, partners, and internal stakeholders to plan and implement statewide messaging and awareness programs and initiatives.

Serve as a senior liaison to program areas, executive leadership, SUNY, CUNY, NYSED, and external partners to ensure coordinated messaging and consistent communication across channels.

Guide the development of training and outreach materials that support statewide initiatives, professional development efforts, and stakeholder education.

Mentor and develop staff through coaching, training opportunities, performance evaluations, and succession planning; foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Represent the Communications Division, and when appropriate, the Vice President of Communications, in internal and external meetings, conferences, and high-profile initiatives.

Perform quality assurance reviews to confirm accuracy, functionality, and consistency of published content across platforms. Oversee special projects and perform related duties as assigned in support of HESC’s mission and executive leadership priorities.

Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

Nine years* or more of professional experience in communications, marketing, public or governmental relations, higher education, or a closely related field.

Three years or more of managerial experience overseeing multidisciplinary communications teams.

Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing integrated communication strategies across digital, editorial, graphic, outreach, and training functions.

Proven experience writing, producing, and approving content across multiple media, including web, social media, email, video, print, and presentations.

Ability to manage complex, high-visibility initiatives under tight deadlines while adapting to shifting priorities and organizational needs.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with an extreme level of editorial judgment and attention to detail.

Strong understanding of Millennial and Gen Z behaviors and trends, as well as the informational needs of parents, educators, school administrators, and financial aid professionals.

* An Associate's Degree may substitute two year of the required experience.

* A Bachelor's Degree may substitute four years of the required experience.

* A Master's Degree may substitute five years of the required experience.

Additional Comments There are multiple vacancies in this title at this agency

TELECOMMUTING INFORMATION: HESC employees may be approved for a telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work. Employees are required to apply and obtain approval through management in accordance with HESC Pilot Telecommuting Program Guidelines.

NOTE: HESC’s business hours require working between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

This position may be eligible for 55b/c designation and candidates with 55 b/c eligibility are encouraged to apply. Candidates must possess the minimum qualifications and a current 55b/c eligibility letter. For 55 b/c consideration, candidates must satisfy at least one of the Open Competitive qualifications listed. For more information on this program, please visit the NYS Department of Civil Service website, 55b/c Recruitment Resources Center (ny.gov).

NYS is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits of Working for NYS

Generous benefits package, worth 65% of salary, including:

Holiday & Paid Time Off

Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually, plus two (2) floating holidays

Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave annually

Up to Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually

Up to Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for CSEA or PEF; up to eight (8) days of paid sick leave annually for M/C

Up to three (3) days of professional leave annually to participate in professional development

Initially positions will work full-time in the office and a hybrid telecommuting schedule of up to 50% remote work can be discussed with the hiring manager during the interview


Health Care Benefits

Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs

Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost

Additional Benefits

New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership

NYS Deferred Compensation

Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

And many more!

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. HESC is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

METHOD OF APPLICATION: Apply by submitting an updated resume and cover letter to Human Resources via e-mail at resumes@hesc.ny.gov by the filing deadline listed in this posting.

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

How to Apply

Name Higher Education Services Corporation

Telephone 5184747556

Fax

Email Address resumes@hesc.ny.gov

Address

Street 99 Washington Ave

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12110

 

Notes on ApplyingMETHOD OF APPLICATION: Apply by submitting an updated resume and cover letter to Human Resources via e-mail at resumes@hesc.ny.gov by the filing deadline listed in this posting.