Job Description

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Mental Hygiene (DMH) is seeking an experienced, systems-minded leader to serve as Director of Strategy and Planning within the Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC). This role is where the Division's strategic vision meets the discipline to execute it, ensuring that DMH’s priorities are translated into coordinated action across its bureaus, that complex cross-functional initiatives move from planning to execution, and that the Division operates with the structure, rigor, and equity focus required to serve all New Yorkers well.

Duties will include but not be limited to:
- Lead the design and execution of priority cross-bureau and cross-division initiatives as directed by the Executive Deputy Commissioner and Executive Director of the Office, ensuring clear workplans, accountability structures, and measurable outcomes.
- Convene stakeholders across DMH bureaus to drive alignment, manage decision-making timelines, and ensure that multi-bureau workstreams move efficiently from planning to implementation.
- Support the EDC and division leadership in organizational priority-setting, including development and tracking of the Division’s annual operational goals, performance metrics, and strategic plan.
- Lead or support planning, implementation, and evaluation of key divisional policies, programs, and procedures, applying a strong equity lens to assess impact on communities most affected by behavioral health disparities.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to design and execute research studies, evaluations, and needs assessments that address behavioral health disparities and inform policy and program development.
- Identify and support strategic grants and funding opportunities that advance divisional priorities, coordinating with relevant bureaus and agency partners to develop proposals and manage award execution.
- Directly supervise and mentor a Strategic Initiatives Manager and Senior Planning Analyst, fostering a high-performing team culture and supporting staff professional development.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic planning, program management, or organizational leadership, with demonstrated expertise in behavioral health or public health systems.
- Proven track record of leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives in government, healthcare, or large mission-driven organizations, from planning through implementation and evaluation.
- Experience with performance management frameworks, data-informed planning, and grant or budget oversight.
- Knowledge of New York City and New York State behavioral health policy, Medicaid, and the landscape of community-based and government behavioral health providers preferred.
- Supervisory experience required.

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

Qualifications

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.

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.