First Deputy Commissioner, Office of the Commissioner

Job Description

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, dynamic, and visionary leader to join our team as the First Deputy Commissioner (FDC). This critical executive role in the Commissioner’s office will be pivotal in centering equity in all policy plans and decision making within the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and catalyzing their impact across New York City. The FDC will directly report to the Commissioner of Health and will collaborate closely with agency leaders including the Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs, the Chief Population Health and Data Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Equity Officer and Chief Medical Officer. Additional responsibilities will include leading cross-agency collaboration on critical programmatic and policy areas; serving as a senior leader in the Agency’s response to federal actions; coordinating with sister agencies, City Hall and key external stakeholders on strategic priorities; serving as a expert and trusted voice to the public on key public health issues; and serving as a strategy partner and advisor to the Commissioner of Health.

Key Responsibilities:
- Serve as COH-team lead on federal action response and planning in partnership with Deputy Commissioner of External Affairs and team;
- Foster City Hall relationships under the new administration, especially in relation to agency’s largest “risk” areas under the federal administration;
- Center equity in all program and policy plans and decision making;
- Facilitate collaboration on cross-divisional program and policy initiatives to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to achieving agency goals;
- Partner with the Commissioner and division leaders and other members of Cabinet to align resources and structures with Agency programmatic goals and priorities;
- Cultivate new partnerships with community-based, advocacy, public, and private sector and philanthropic organizations to support the Department’s strategic priorities;
- Support agency priorities externally including presentations, press opportunities, and other public speaking engagements;
- Represent the agency to external constituents including City Hall, other city agencies, elected officials, media and community-based organizations as necessary;
- Participate in any public health emergency response through the agency’s Incident Command System as well as an on-call Incident Commander on a rotating basis;
- Testify in public hearings to represent the agency as necessary;
- Represent the Agency as Acting COH as necessary.

Preferred Skills:
- 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. W