The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Mental Hygiene (DMH) is seeking a strategic, equity-driven communications leader to serve as Director of Communications
within the Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC). This is an opportunity to shape how eight million New Yorkers understand and access behavioral health services, through compelling public messaging, media engagement, and community-centered communication strategies.
Duties will include but not be limited to:
- Lead proactive identification of divisional communications priorities through community engagement, stakeholder listening, and ongoing analysis of the public’s behavioral health information needs.
- Conduct research and analysis to identify emerging trends, gaps, and opportunities in behavioral health communications, ensuring that strategies are data-driven and evidence-based.
- Lead proactive identification of divisional communications priorities through community engagement, stakeholder listening, and ongoing analysis of the public’s behavioral health information needs.
- Lead rapid-response communications during public health events, behavioral health crises, or policy developments requiring timely, accurate, and accessible public-facing messaging.
- Ensure communications are accessible, culturally responsive, and available in languages that reflect the diversity of New York City’s communities, in partnership with relevant agency offices.
- Design and implement research initiatives to evaluate the effectiveness of communications strategies, including community surveys, focus groups, and data analysis, to inform continuous improvement.
- Directly supervise and mentor the Division’s Communications Officer, supporting their professional development and ensuring high-quality execution of communications work products.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to integrate research findings into communications planning and decision-making processes.
- Support additional communications and research projects as identified by agency or bureau leadership.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in public health or behavioral health contexts.
- Experience in media relations, digital communications, and the development of public-facing messaging campaigns or materials.
- Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality written work products under deadline, including press statements, talking points, social media content, toolkits, and executive communications.
- Experience working in or with government agencies or large mission-driven organizations preferred. Multilingual ability a plus.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
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.
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 sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.
CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744
1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.
NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.
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.
The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world.
City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more. Join us today at: http://www1.nyc.gov/jobs
The City of New York offers its employees:
• A chance to build the future of this city. New York City government is at the crossroads of where policy, great ideas, city services, and smart urban planning meet the lives and needs of every day New Yorkers.
• Competitive salary and benefits. Hiring packages include a competitive salary, health benefits, various pension plans, employee assistance programs, and individual retirement accounts.
• Diverse career opportunities. As the largest local government in the United States with more than 40 agencies, the City of New York offers a broad spectrum of opportunities — from education, housing development, and public health to sustainability, economic growth, technology, and emergency management.
• Career Satisfaction. As a City employee, you will have the chance to shape the future of New York City and improve the quality of life for your family, neighbors, and fellow New Yorkers.
• Equal Opportunity and Inclusion. The City of New York is an equal opportunity employer that prohibits discriminatory action against City employees and applicants for employment based on their actual or perceived race, color, national origin, ethnicity alienage, citizenship status, gender, religion, creed and all other protected categories.
