Director of Mental Hygiene Policy, Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygienes Division of Mental Hygiene (DMH) is seeking a dynamic, equity-driven policy leader to serve as Director of Policy within the Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner (EDC). This is a rare opportunity to shape behavioral health policy at the scale of the largest city in the United States, influencing how mental health, substance use, and related services reach over eight million New Yorkers.Duties will include but not be limited to:- Drive proactive identification and development of divisional policy priorities, translating research and data into actionable recommendations with a strong equity and social justice lens.- Conduct and oversee in-depth research and analysis on emerging policy issues, regulatory developments, and best practices to inform divisional priorities and decision-making.- Synthesize research findings and data to develop evidence-based policy recommendations that address community needs and advance equity and social justice goals.- Prepare and support the Executive Deputy Commissioner and Assistant Commissioners for City Council hearings, legislative testimony, and high-stakes intergovernmental engagements.- Lead the Divisions annual legislative agenda-setting process, establishing clear and coordinated policy positions across DMH bureaus that reflect both emerging evidence and community priorities.- Serve as the primary liaison to key intergovernmental partners, coordinating vetted agency responses and ensuring aligned messaging across internal subject-matter experts.- Facilitate cross-bureau and cross-agency collaboration to ensure cohesive, integrated policy platforms, working closely with External Affairs, the Office of the Agency General Counsel, and the Office of the Commissioner.- Translate complex policy research and regulatory developments into accessible, actionable materials for both internal leadership and external stakeholders.- Directly supervise and mentor a Policy Analyst, fostering their professional growth and supporting high-quality policy analysis and production.- Support additional policy projects as identified by agency or bureau leadership.PREFERRED SKILLS:- 57 years of progressively responsible experience in health policy, government affairs, or a related field, with demonstrated expertise in behavioral health systems.- Experience working with or within local or state government, including familiarity with City Council processes, legislative affairs, or intergovernmental relations.- Demonstrated experience conducting policy analysis and producing high-quality written work products testimony, policy briefs, legislative memos, or similar.- 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 forfederal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or evenfully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Educationswebsite (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 2024assessment.o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the positions associatedunion/benefit fund.o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.o a tax-deferred savings program ando a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy whileserving New Yorkers.Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during theweek from home.- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able tocontribute 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 accessand reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate inthe job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal EmploymentOpportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.