Executive Director Language Access Program

Bachelor’s degree and seven years of progressively responsible experience in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies related to immigrant communities, Limited English Proficient individuals, and/or language-minority population. Candidates must demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural issues and nuances. Fluency in speaking, reading, writing, and oral comprehension of at least one language spoken by the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) population in New York State and command of the English language, both written and spoken, is required.

• 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 Executive Director will lead the newly established Office of Language Access and ensure the State is providing linguistically and culturally appropriate services for our Limited English Proficient population accessing public state services. The Executive Director will oversee, coordinate, and provide guidance to the executive state agencies in implementing language access mandates and ensure a cost-effective provision of services.

Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Manages and coordinates the provision of statewide language access services at executive state agencies
• Hires and supervises staff to assist with the duties of the Office including vetted temporary personnel and contractors such as interpreters and auxiliary services
• Develops policy proposals and anticipates the need for services by examining data and statistical trends
• Streamlines policies and guidelines to enhance and standardize practices across the state
• Identifies new services, technologies, and practices to incorporate into the provision of services, and leads best-value contracts’ negotiations
• Builds and consolidates partnerships with educational institutions, advocacy groups, local government, private sector, and other stakeholders to assist with the provision of state language access services
• Builds strong relationships with vendors to ensure efficient delivery of Language Access services
• Advises the Governor on improvements to the statewide language access policy
• Conducts assessments of services provided across state agencies and identifies areas of improvements
• Provides centralized language access training to agencies’ staff
• Meets and communicates on a regular basis with agencies’ Language Access Coordinators, advises on best practices, and assists with agency-specific implementation needs
• Oversees the publication of updated agencies’ Language Access Plans in the frequency established by the policy or legislation
• Provides centralized language access training to agencies
• Monitors and analyzes proposed legislation and policy changes impacting the provision of language access services in the state
• Creates mechanisms to regularly monitor statewide implementation
• Liaises with localities, state, and federal counterparts to share resources and best practices

Additional Comments

The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) provides essential services to our state and local partners, as well as the public. From operating buildings to construction management; managing more than 1,500 procurement vehicles; and conducting tours of the Capitol, OGS is truly a diverse organization.

While our services may be “general,” many state agencies depend on OGS to fulfill their own mission and goals. As a result, OGS must constantly innovate and streamline its business processes; find new ways to serve our customers; and build public trust. OGS is committed to NYS’ larger mission to achieve savings for the state while improving organizational efficiency and is poised to take on the challenge of creating a modernized government that does more with less. OGS accomplishes this by retooling our focus on critical programs and services; redesigning the way we do business; and retraining our workforce to support a realigned agency.