Senior Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner - job 2 of 2

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is dedicated to promoting and protecting the health of all New Yorkers. With a commitment to public health excellence, we strive to create a healthier and more equitable city. Our team is composed of passionate professionals who work collaboratively to address the diverse health needs of all New Yorkers.

Job Summary:

We are seeking an experienced individual to serve as a Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of the Commissioner. This critical executive role in the Commissioner’s office will be pivotal in centering equity in all policy plans and strategy within the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and catalyzing their impact across New York City. The Senior Policy Advisor will directly report to the First Deputy Commissioner and will collaborate closely with agency leaders including the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs, the Chief Equity Officer, the Chief Medical Officer, and the Agency’s General Counsel. Additional responsibilities will include supporting cross-agency collaboration on critical policy areas; serving as a senior leader in federal administration response and ongoing coordination; facilitating collaboration internally to ensure aligned and cohesive policy platforms; conducting and translating research with a strong equity lens; and serving as a strategy partner and advisor to the Commissioner of Health.

Key Responsibilities:

- Serve as key advisor to the Commissioner of Health, and provide direct oversight and support priority policy efforts

- Organize Agency efforts around federal policy impact analysis and translation for local impact;

- Center equity in all program and policy plans and decision making;

- Liaise closely with colleagues in the Offices of External Affairs and General Counsel to ensure aligned and coordinated policy agendas and response across the Agency;

- Translate policy and legal concepts into public-facing language for agency staff, external documents, and public products, as appropriate.

- Collaborate with colleagues to combat policy misinformation and disinformation through internal and external communications

- Support division teams, including with project management, for rapid high priority project development and implementation;

- Conduct research and develop briefs, memos, and other high-quality written products for internal and external audiences;

- Apply a deep knowledge base on racial equity, social justice, LGBTQ issues, and civil rights to priority initiatives and policy products;

- Foster development of policy strategy and action plans in alignment with Commissioner priorities and in partnership with Agency leaders;

Preferred Skills:

- A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) and a minimum of 3 – 5 years in a medical setting or a PhD and a minimum of 5 – 7 years in a medical setting.
- Formal education or experience in public health or civil rights law.
- Experience working across high-level leaders and navigating decision making structures.
- Significant experience in project management and operationalizing equity.
- Proven experience in a policy and strategy role, preferably within a public health or federal government setting.
- Strong understanding of public health issues, policies, and programs.
- Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
- Proven ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills.
- Highly developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
- Commitment to anti-racism, social justice, and equity.
- High degree of self-awareness, humility, and diplomacy.

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.

AGENCY MEDICAL DIRECTOR - 5304A

1. Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York plus valid Board Certification issued by the appropriate American Specialty Board in
an approved medical specialty; and four years of medical practice including one year of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity; or

2. A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that listed in "1" above. However, all candidates must have a valid license to practice medicine in
the State of New York, and one year of medical practice in an administrative or supervisory capacity.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.