Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NS-M3

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and six years of relevant progressively responsible experience* in the review, analysis, development, oversight, or implementation of programs or policies related to environmental protection, utility regulation, or clean energy.

Preferred qualifications include: knowledge of the current utility regulatory model, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), and other pertinent State laws; being highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to lead work streams and contribute in a supporting capacity; possessing first class interpersonal and communication skills; and an ability to work well both independently and in broad, diverse teams, and build relationships.

• Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
  
  

Duties Description

The Special Assistant will function as the Special Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Department of Public Service and will serve under the general direction of the Chair of the Public Service Commission (Commission)/CEO of DPS. The Special Assistant to the CEO will be responsible for assisting the CEO in providing analytical and written support of critical policy initiatives and providing updates on the implementation of such policies in the State of New York. The Special Assistant to the CEO must have an understanding of the current utility regulatory model, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and other pertinent State laws, along with the ability to engage in innovative thinking to work with other senior staff at the Department on the development of policy initiatives. The duties of this position will include, but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the monitoring of programs in coordination with Department Executive Staff and Directors for alignment with the Department’s strategic plan, mission, and performance goals.
• Developing briefing materials to communicate the status of Department programs and policies.
• Preparing, analyzing, and summarizing policy documents, including reports, correspondence, and public presentations.
• Supporting the CEO’s management and coordination of the internal operation of the Department; and, on behalf of the CEO, providing support to the Public Service Commission and the Department, and serving as liaison with other State agencies.
• Coordinating with other offices in the execution of analyses, studies, reports, and plans.
• Developing presentation materials, talking points or remarks for meetings, forums, speaking engagements, and other forms of outreach to stakeholders by the CEO.
• Assisting with maintaining the CEO’s effective relationships with external stakeholders in New York State, other states, and at the federal level.
• Assisting the CEO with developing opportunities to explain policies, initiatives, and other activities to external groups and interested parties.
• Supporting the CEO with coordination of customer outreach and engagement through social media and events.
• Convening, attending, and participating in meetings with external stakeholders, either with or on behalf of the CEO.
• Accompanying the CEO when they are traveling, including to the Department’s office locations, events, and other engagements. Driving the CEO in a State or other vehicle when required.
  
  

Additional Comments

The primary mission of the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS or Department) is to ensure affordable, safe, secure, and reliable access to electric, gas, steam, telecommunications, and water services for New York State’s residential and business consumers, at just and reasonable rates, while protecting the natural environment. The Department also seeks to stimulate effective competitive markets for clean, renewable, and distributed energy resources that benefit New York consumers, as well as product and service innovations.

Salary will be commensurate with experience. The primary location for this position is New York City, NY, with up to 40% travel which includes driving the CEO in a State or other vehicle when required. As such, the possession of a valid driver’s license is required. The salary range above includes the Downstate Adjustment of $3,400. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. As such, the incumbent of this position would serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. Appointment to this position is contingent upon Division of Budget approval.

The Department of Public Service is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know by contacting the Designee for Reasonable Accommodations (DRA) and Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator which can be found under the Accessibility Link on the Department’s webpage at https://dps.ny.gov.