Special Assistant, Associate Commissioner Workforce Development - Albany

Duties Description

Reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development the incumbent will focus on leading, developing, and implementing workforce development initiatives, programs, policies and procedures aimed at enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce in order to meet evolving workforce needs of the local economy. This position initiates outreach and collaborations with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to foster partnerships that support workforce growth and economic development, 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 Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development and other Executive staff on behalf of the Commissioner 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:

• Actively participate and provide guidance in the development and implementation of the Deputy Commissioner’s key policy initiatives and division programmatic priorities.
• Conduct research, develop strategies, provide oversight, and offer recommendations to resolve issues and ensure adherence to the department’s priorities, goals and deadlines.
• Coordinate ongoing special projects, programs and high-profile assignments for the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development, which may be of a confidential or high priority nature.
• Coordinate and elicit 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.
• Utilize advanced project management methodologies to ensure timely delivery and alignment with strategic objectives. Proactively identify and address potential challenges or obstacles, implementing innovative solutions and adjustment as necessary throughout the Office of Workforce Development.
• Review reports, position papers, proposals, correspondence and speeches on topics related to initiatives for the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and other Executive level staff as it relates to the Office of Workforce Development.
• Represent the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development and Department on behalf of the Commissioner 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.
• Apply and understand labor market dynamics, workforce development best practices, and the needs of various populations, including underserved communities to implement innovative strategies and programs to address labor market needs.
• Collaborate with the Office of Communications 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.
• Facilitate public event requirements for events to be attended by the Commissioner of Labor and/or Governor, which includes preparing speeches/remarks, working with DOL Office Directors to arrange program involvement, and coordinating logistical details with event organizers.
• Supervise and direct assigned staff, including the Director of Employment Services. As appropriate, approve leave and timecards, prepare performance programs and conduct performance evaluations, take necessary corrective actions, interview and select staff, ensure training is provided as needed.
• Effectively manage conflict resolution among team members to promote a positive and productive work environment.
• Manage a variety of information of a confidential or sensitive nature with tact and…