Special Assistant (Working Title: Senior Director of Operations)

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Review Vacancy

Date Posted 08/03/26

Applications Due09/03/26

Vacancy ID221088

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NY HELPNo

AgencyEmpire State Development, NYS

TitleSpecial Assistant (Working Title: Senior Director of Operations)

Occupational CategoryOther Professional Careers

Salary GradeNS

Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)

Salary RangeFrom $103870 to $131298 Annually

Employment Type Full-Time

Appointment Type Permanent

Jurisdictional Class Exempt Class

Travel Percentage 10%

Workweek Mon-Fri

Hours Per Week 37.5

Workday

From 9 AM

To 5 PM

Flextime allowed? No

Mandatory overtime? No

Compressed workweek allowed? No

Telecommuting allowed? No

County Albany

Street Address 625 Broadway

City Albany

StateNY

Zip Code12245

Duties Description The Sr. Director of Operations serves as the head of the Division's administrative services and its financial and operational systems. The selected candidate will be charged with the oversight and administration of the Division's personnel, fiscal, and training units. This role ensures that the Division has the necessary resources, processes, and personnel to effectively certify MWBEs, advocate for their utilization in State contracting, and maintain compliance with Article 15-A of Executive Law.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Administer DMWBD's entire operations support program.
• In collaboration with the EVP of the Division, oversee the Division's strategic planning, development, and implementation of work programs, priorities, scheduling/coordination of major projects and activities with other divisions, bureaus, and State agencies.
• Manage all Division funding and contracts.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director, work with the Executive Chamber and ESD Finance to manage the Division's annual budget, track expenditures, and forecast the Division's future financial needs.
• Oversee the lifecycle of Division contracts, including third-party vendors providing technical assistance or IT support for the MWBE certification system.
• Serve as the liaison between the DMWBD and ESD's Division of Administration.
• Assist in developing management plans to measure the performance of subordinate areas of operation; identify strengths and weaknesses in existing procedures; assist in the development and implementation of new and improved procedures.
• Coordinate the activities of subordinate staff to ensure that policies, procedures, and standards are applied consistently, and that management and administrative practices of the operational sections are handled in accordance with the policies established by the EVP.
• Direct the operational onboarding of new staff and coordinate with section supervisors to ensure that office resource allocations align with evolving departmental priorities.
• Coordinate and participate in training activities, ensuring that necessary training is identified and available, and coordinate employee nomination and attendance.
• Provide managerial support to section supervisors and provide guidance, as needed.
• Represent the Division in meetings with other agencies, vendors, and stakeholders.

Minimum Qualifications Education Requirements: A bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, finance, or a related field. A master's degree (MBA or MPA) is highly preferred.

Professional Experience Requirements: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in operations management, public administration, or procurement.

• At least two (2) years in a senior leadership or supervisory capacity within a government agency or a large, complex organization.
• Proven experience managing departmental budgets and overseeing high-volume procurement/requisition processes.

Substitutions:

• A master's degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience.
• A Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.

Knowledge Requirements:

• In-depth understanding of New York State procurement laws and Article 15-A.
• Strong familiarity with the Statewide Financial System (SFS) or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
• Exceptional organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Additional Comments SALARY RANGE: $103,870 - $131,298

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

Name Gabby Serafin

Telephone 5182925130

Fax

Email Address ded-hr@esd.ny.gov

Address

Street 625 Broadway

City Albany

State NY

Zip Code 12245

Notes on ApplyingIf interested in this position, please forward a cover letter and resume to the e-mail address below by September 3, 2026. Be sure to indicate the position title and location you are applying for and specify how you meet the minimum qualifications in your cover letter.

INQUIRE

NYS Department of Economic Development

Human Resources Office

625 Broadway

Albany, NY 12245

Fax: (518) 292-5852

E-Mail: DED-HR@esd.ny.gov

New York State is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.

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