Senior Policy Advisor, 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 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 Pol