Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of the Deputy Commissioner

Strategic Initiatives Manager, Office of the Deputy Commissioner

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Division of Environmental Health works to prevent and control illness and injury related to environmental and occupational health risks through outreach, education, surveillance, and enforcement. With staff of 1,000, the Division covers a broad range of subject matter, including oversight of environmental investigations, lead poisoning, injury prevention, occupational health, food safety, childcare, radiation control, recreational and drinking water quality, air quality, climate health, vector control, veterinary public health and pest control. The EH Division Office, led by the Deputy Commissioner, focuses on crosscutting work including policy development, advancing racial equity, strategic communications and outreach, and program innovation. Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategy and Communications, the Strategic Initiatives Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping the Divisions's policy strategy and new high-profile initiatives. They'll manage high priority projects, solve complex problems, and operationalize the Division's policy strategy. Duties will include but not be limited to:

• Manage high-profile, complex, priority projects, including cross-bureau and cross-agency initiatives
• Operationalize the Division's policy strategy, in collaboration with Bureau leadership, and advise on policy and legislative proposals to ensure alignment with regulatory requirements and program operations
• Identify opportunities for integration, innovation, and improvement across the Division to help meet division and agency goals and priorities
• Advise staff, including leadership on data methods and the synthesis and presentation of data
• Write reports, guidance, and presentations in plain language for non-technical audiences
• Represent the Division in internal and external meetings to foster partnership and collaboration

Preferred skills:

• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships across programs and with external partners
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills, with a solution-oriented mindset
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines
• Ability to develop thoughtful leadership around specific topics or emerging areas
• Experience in policy, research, data analysis, and applying a racial equity and social justice lens on projects

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.
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
• A premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position's associated union/benefit fund.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program
• 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.

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 View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.