New York State Higher Education Services Corporation · 3 days ago
Director of Communications (Project Assistant)
Albany, NY
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$107K/yr - $132K/yr
9+ years expNew York State Higher Education Services Corporation is seeking a Director of Communications to lead their communications division. This role involves setting and executing the agency’s digital and content strategy, overseeing various communication initiatives, and ensuring alignment with statewide higher education priorities.
Financial ServicesHigher EducationNon Profit
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
Required
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 years 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
Benefits
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
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
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!
Company
New York State Higher Education Services Corporation
The Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) is a state agency in New York, United States that was created to help make higher education more accessible and affordable for New York residents.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageRecent News
New York State Office of the Governor
2025-05-24
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