Job opening
Assistant Director, Special Initiatives, WNY
Empire State Development · Buffalo, NY, US
Still listed on New York State civil-service employers — Region 5’s job board as of .
About this role
Details from the published listing. Values marked classified were read by a model with high confidence, not quoted from the posting.
- Employer
- Empire State Development
- Location
- Buffalo, NY, US
- Pay
- From $80000 to $90000 Annually
- Employment type
- Full Time
- Work mode
- Not listed
- Education
- Degree required (classified)
- Level
- Executive (classified)
- Sector
- Public Service
- Posted by employer
- September 23, 2026
- First seen on Buffalo Projects
- October 25, 2026 · today
- Deadline
- December 23, 2026
Full description
Duties
*Applicants MUST submit a cover letter with resume to be considered.
*This position will require in-office presence. Hybrid work schedules may be possible based on specific job duties and consistent with ESD policy.
*Minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Please contact Human Resources if you require an accommodation.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Plan, manage, oversee and administer special initiatives focused on the WNY Region, including project development, financial performance, intergovernmental relations, and communications.
WORK PERFORMED:
• Design, gain approvals, obtain funding sources and overall project management for special initiatives and projects.
• Work with senior staff, program staff, contract staff, various agency specialists, consultants, Governor’s office and counsel to implement these initiatives.
• Provide project implementation tracking and oversight for all Western NY priority projects.
• Ensure effective communication, coordination and integration of priority projects and activities between divisions and departments of ESD, Western NY Regional Economic Development Council, Governor’s Western NY regional office, regional and local economic development agencies, other State, local and federal agencies, and other public and private sector stakeholders and organizations as needed.
• Manage external communications with other regional, state, private entities, including participation in work groups, boards, interagency negotiations, coordination, etc.
• Review and coordinate approval with Governor’s office of materials including letters, briefings, brochures, reports, marketing material, website content, etc.
• Establish program goals and objectives and metrics for evaluation of program performance.
• Assist in the structure and negotiations of State involvement in awarding benefits related to these initiatives.
Minimum qualifications
Education Level required: Bachelor’s degree; Master’s degree preferred
Equivalent Experience required: 5 years relevant experience, including supervisory experience
Knowledge required: Knowledge of business, economic development, planning and design, real estate finance,
supervision and coordination of large-scale projects, public development programs and management.
Additional comments
Salary range as specified.
Comprehensive Benefits Package.
Civil service details
- Jurisdictional class: Non-competitive Class
- Appointment type: Permanent
- Salary grade: NS
- Bargaining unit: None listed
- NY HELPS: No