Deputy Director, Close Rikers

Deputy Director, Close Rikers Posted on 08/14/2026 Full-time Location: MANHATTAN No exam required Department: First Deputy Mayor Salary range:$125,000.00 – $150,000.00 Job Description The Agency You’ll Join: The New York City Mayor’s Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. The administration is leading the fight in making the city more affordable, reducing inequality, improving public safety, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, and working to make New York City’s economy stronger. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. For current job opportunities, visit our careers page. The Team You’ll Work With: The Office of the First Deputy ensures that City government runs efficiently and focuses on many of the administration’s top priorities – from creating opportunities for young people to strengthening the city’s civic infrastructure – the office works in partnership with stakeholders inside and outside of city government to develop, scale, coordinate, and deliver policies, plans and operations in an equitable and sustainable way. The Problems You’ll Solve: The Office of the First Deputy Mayor is seeking a qualified individual to serve as Deputy Director, Close Rikers. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to the Close Rikers Czar. You will support the Administration’s efforts to oversee the closure of the jails on Rikers Island, safely reduce the jail population, oversee the design of the new borough-based facilities, coordinate across city agencies, external stakeholders and Mayoral offices to ensure the success of the Rikers closure plan, and plan for the future use of the Island. Duties include, but are not limited to: Project management and support for immediate, mid-term and long-term planning to track and coordinate all components of the plan to close Rikers, including identification of any barriers or projected negative impacts to the project. Work closely with relevant city agencies, including but not limited to the Department of Correction, Correctional Health Services, the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Department of Design and Construction. Assess initiatives nationwide to identify best practices and potential models for public safety. Prepare briefings for key stakeholders and ensure the appropriate communication of pertinent and sensitive information, including the capability to present data in a clear and understandable way. Track project-related documents, including schedules, project plans, presentations, meeting agendas, minutes, and status reports related to Close Rikers initiatives. Represent the Office of the First Deputy Mayor and Close Rikers team at meetings with stakeholders, advocates, agency leadership, staff, and internal and external committees to develop and sustain positive relationships and networks; gather information, opinions, and attitudes; identify stakeholder needs; provide interpretation and clarification; develop response options; and generate cooperation and buy-in for the plan to close Rikers Island and related public and community safety efforts. Additional responsibilities as required, including some administrative support for the team. Report to the Close Rikers Czar. About You: You can work independently and within a fast-paced environment, as well as thrive in a collaborative and supportive team environment. You are highly organized and able to track multiple workstreams, timelines, and deliverables, with excellent project management skills. You are a self-starter who positively contributes to a learning culture and collaborative team and is willing to perform the full range of tasks required in a dynamic and rapidly responsive organization. You are comfortable working with data and bring research oriented, data driven mindset to the development of public safety goals and indicators. You have exceptional written, oral communication, and presentation skills. You can design and build compelling, visually appealing presentations and slide decks translating complex strategies for both internal and external stakeholders. You have experience working with multiple stakeholders and are comfortable and value diverse perspectives and experiences. You are solution-oriented and able to analyze multiple policy perspectives into clear policy recommendations and options. You maintain confidentiality and use outstanding judgment daily. Minimum Required Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree required. 5+ years of experience. Minimum Qualifications 1. Do you have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university? 2. Do you have an associate degree from an accredited college or university along with two (2) years of experience with administrative, analytic, coordinative, supervisory or liaison responsibilities? 3. Do you have a four-year high school diploma, or its educational equivalent approved by a state's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization along with four (4) years of experience as described in question "2" above? 4. Do you have a satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that described in questions "1," "2," and/or "3" above? Public Service Loan Forgiveness As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at Residency Requirement New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of the interview. Additional Information 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr Office of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani