Review Vacancy
TitleSpecial Assistant, Associate Commissioner for Worker Protection - NYC
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $156757 to $197170 Annually
Duties Description Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Worker Protection or Executive Deputy Commissioner, the incumbent will focus on developing and implementing related policies and procedures, community outreach, and ensure strategic marketing strategies are implemented. In this capacity, the incumbent will provide supervision and leadership and independently manage special projects and activities, represent the goals and
priorities of the Commissioner of Labor with local, state and federal Legislators, agency officials, businesses, unions, community organizations and other stakeholders. With latitude for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative, the incumbent performs, but is not limited to the following duties:
• Assist Deputy Commissioner in directing and providing guidance for leadership of the Division of Safety and Health, the Division of Labor Standards, the Division of Compliance Education, and the Bureau of Public Work
• Assist with enforcement and special initiatives of the Governor’s Joint Task Force including industry specific programs, criminal prosecution efforts, and community/labor partnerships.
• Coordinate on-going special projects, programs, and high-profile assignments for the Commissioner, which may be of a confidential or high priority nature and involve coordinating and eliciting the cooperation of a variety of internal and external stakeholders, often with competing interests; propose solutions to resolve problems or delays and recommend necessary policy or legislative changes to support the needs of the agency.
• Provide advice and consultation to the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and other top level Executive staff to identify and initiate improvements in technology, processes, policy and program changes to improve productivity.
• Assist with effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, succession planning and retention for Worker Protection.
• Actively participate in the development and implementation of the Commissioner’s key policy initiatives and programmatic priorities, which includes conducting research, developing implementation strategies, providing oversight, and offering recommendations to resolve issues and ensure adherence to the Commissioner’s priorities, goals and timeline.
• Research and analyze a variety of issues and topics to prepare background information on complex and often sensitive issues impacting assigned initiatives. Ensure the interests and concerns of the Commissioner are made known to all affected parties.
• Review reports, position papers, proposals, correspondence and speeches on topics related to these initiatives for the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and other Executive level staff.
• Represent the Commissioner and Department at meetings with Legislators, other agencies, various stakeholders from both public and private organizations to explain agency programs, initiatives and goals. Prepare a synopsis of meeting results and identify areas of concern which require a response and/or action. May brief the Commissioner or designee.
• Consult with representatives of other local, state and federal agencies to develop, implement and educate regarding new or changing workforce development, unemployment insurance, worker protection or other agency programs and initiatives.
• As appropriate, facilitate public event requirements for events to be attended by the Commissioner of Labor and/or Governor, which includes ensuring the Commissioner’s speeches/remarks are prepared by the Office of Communications, working with DOL Division Directors to arrange program involvement, as needed, coordinate logistical details with event organizers and representing the Commissioner at public events, as necessary.
• May collaborate with the Communications Office and Governor’s Press Office to ensure strategic marketing and communications requirements are met for special initiatives and projects of interest to the Commissioner and Governor.
• Manage information of a confidential or sensitive nature with tact and discretion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATION: Ability to initiate and maintain relationships across a diverse set of stakeholders.
Minimum Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and 9 years of relevant experience*
*Relevant experience is based on the duties above.
Additional Comments Position specific job duties may include occasional altered work schedule or job assignments which require availability and willingness to work occasional evenings and/or out-stationed assignments.
Candidates with no previous state service will begin at the starting rate of the salary range listed above.
If you are a current NYS employee and have questions regarding salary, please contact the Business Services Center (BSC): 518-457-4272, BSCHR@ogs.ny.gov.
Telecommuting may be available and can be discussed during the interview.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
• 13 paid holidays, 5 personal days, and a minimum of 13 vacation days per year
• Paid sick leave (CSEA and PEF employees- 13 days; M/C employees- 8 days plus free enrollment into the Income Protection Program for short-term and long-term disability coverage).
• Choice of several affordable and competitive health insurance plans
• Dental and vision insurance plans at no additional cost
• Membership in the NYS Employee’s Retirement System
• NYS Deferred Compensation Investment Plan
• Eligibility to apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) (full-time employees)
• Eligibility to apply for tuition reimbursement for qualifying employees and courses
• Paid Parental Leave
Our mission is to provide outstanding services to our customers—the workers and business that call New York home. We help New Yorkers find careers they will love. We build and support New York’s businesses. We empower and protect New York’s workers. To learn more about our mission and the exciting work of the DOL, please visit: https://dol.ny.gov/about-us
DOL is committed to fostering employee engagement and work-life balance. We offer telecommuting and alternative work schedules to eligible employees. Eligible employees may be approved to telecommute, if operationally feasible, up to 2 days per regular work-week, and not to exceed 4 days per two-week pay period. Telecommuting can be discussed at the time of interview. Our exciting training and development opportunities, including Coursera and our formal Employee Recognition Program allow us to develop, recognize, and celebrate our workforce.
Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, length of State service, and program area.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Fax EFax: 5184742871@fax.ny.gov
Email Address labor.sm.personnel.JVA@labor.ny.gov
Address
Street Building 12 W. Averell Harriman State Office Campus
Room 561
Notes on ApplyingAll candidates must submit a written resume and cover letter which clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. These documents must be received by September 30, 2025, and submitted via email to labor.sm.personnel.JVA@labor.ny.gov, or mailed to the NYS Department of Labor, Personnel Bureau, Building 12, Room 561, State Office Campus, Albany, NY 12226. You must include, Vacancy ID #197920, Associate Commissioner, Worker Protection, in the subject line of your email. Failure to do so may result in a delay of processing your application.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.
New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.
If you are a person with a disability and wish to request that a reasonable accommodation be provided for you to participate in a job interview, please contact: Department of Labor, Attn: Director, Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (ODEIA), Building 12, Albany, NY 12226 (Phone (518) 457-1984 and/or fax (518) 485-2575.)