Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection
Exam Type Notice of Vacancy
Department Office of Public Advocacy
Job Category Administrative/Management
Location Category Buffalo
Location 95 Franklin Street, Buffalo, New York
Posting Date July 30, 2025
Closing Date August 6, 2025
Salary Range Starting $73,861 Annually
Assistant Commissioner for Consumer Protection*
1 VACANCY
Please note *Provisional: This position is a competitive civil service title and will require a civil service examination in the future. After the exam, selection for permanent appointment(s) will be made from reachable candidate(s) on the eligible list according to the NYS Civil Service Rule of Three.
Distinguishing Features of the Class
The work involves assisting the Commissioner of Public Advocacy with coordination of consumer protection efforts and ensuring the effective implementation of policies, regulations, and programs related to consumer rights. The role focuses on supporting the Commissioner in managing consumer-related issues, acting as a liaison with various internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws. The incumbent is responsible for assisting with departmental initiatives, providing strategic input, and coordinating high-level projects. The position allows for independent judgment in handling complex tasks and projects and involves working collaboratively with the Director of Consumer Protection and Director of Weights and Measures, but not in a supervisory capacity. Does related work as required.
Typical Work Activities
- Assist the Commissioner of Public Advocacy in coordinating and overseeing consumer protection initiatives, including policy review, program evaluation, and departmental compliance efforts.
- Serve as a key liaison between the Commissioner and various internal divisions, such as the Division of Consumer Protection and Office and Division of Weights and Measures, ensuring smooth communication and collaboration on consumer-related projects.
- Coordinate and manage specific consumer protection projects and initiatives, ensuring timelines and goals are met. This includes assisting with the implementation of new consumer protection policies and improvement initiatives.
- Provide input on the development and review of consumer protection policies, procedures, and regulations. Assist in ensuring the department complies with federal, state, and local consumer protection laws.
- Work closely with legal counsel and regulatory bodies to ensure that the department’s consumer protection activities align with legal requirements. Assist with compliance audits or reviews as needed.
- Conduct research on consumer protection trends, issues, and legal changes. Provide the Commissioner with reports and recommendations based on findings to inform decision-making and policy adjustments.
- Assist in planning and coordinating public outreach programs to educate consumers about their rights and the department's services. Represent the department in public forums, as directed by the Commissioner.
- Collaborate with the Director of Consumer Protection and Director of Weights and Measures on department-wide initiatives, ensuring coordinated efforts without directly overseeing the Director's role. Share information and support joint projects where appropriate.
- Act as a point of contact for coordination with federal, state, and local agencies on consumer protection matters. Facilitate communication and cooperation on cross-agency projects and investigations.
- Take on special assignments or tasks as directed by the Commissioner of Public Advocacy, contributing to the department’s overall goals and ensuring alignment with consumer protection objectives.
Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics
Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local consumer protection laws; good knowledge of policy analysis, development, and implementation, especially in relation to consumer protection and advocacy; good knowledge of the principles and practices of administration as applied to consumer protection; ability to interpret and apply relevant laws, rules, and regulations; ability to analyze and resolve consumer complaints and develop strategies for conflict resolution; ability to work collaboratively with internal staff and external agencies; ability to communicate both orally and in writing; integrity; attention to detail, critical thinking; dependability; and adaptability; capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
- (A) Possession of a Bachelor’s degree** and three (3) years of experience in consumer protection, regulatory enforcement, investigations, or a related legal/compliance field; or
- (B) Possession of a Master’s degree** in Public Administration, Business Administration, Law, Consumer Affairs, or a related field and one (1) year of experience in consumer protection, regulatory enforcement, investigations, or a related legal/compliance field; or
- (C) An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).
NOTE 1: **Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the Internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.
Candidates must sit for the exam once it is announced and be reachable within the top 3 scores to maintain the position.
This notice will be posted for the period July 30, 2025 through August 6, 2025.
If interested and meet the above qualifications, please send a resume to:
Karen L. King, PhD.
Commissioner – Office of Public Advocacy
ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC ADVOCACY
95 FRANKLIN STREET, ROOM 651
BUFFALO NY 14202
or email Karen.King@erie.gov
Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.