Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness
About The Position
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department), established in 1805, is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC residents. The Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness (CHECW) aims to eliminate racial and other inequities that lead to premature mortality. This role will serve as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, driving transformative change for healthier, more equitable communities. CHECW focuses on the root causes of health inequities, including social, environmental, and commercial determinants, working with community groups, health organizations, and city agencies. The Office of the Chief Equity Officer, within CHECW, provides executive leadership to advance equity internally, embedding systemic equity principles into programs and operations, and advancing the Race to Justice initiative through accountability, strategic decision-making, and implementation of equitable practices.
Requirements
- Minimum of a Masters from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public policy, sociology, education, ethnic studies, public relations, social work, public health, public administration or a related field
- A minimum of 5-7 years of managerial experience especially within governmental or nonprofit sectors.
- A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive responsibility in policy advocacy and/or community organizing in areas at the intersection of racial justice and health.
- Demonstrated success in leading large teams and driving organizational change.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action and measurable results.
- A deep understanding of systemic racism and its impact on health outcomes.
- Experience applying a racial equity lens to decision-making, program design, and policy development.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
- A collaborative approach to leadership, fostering teamwork and shared accountability.
- A creative thinker with a track record of developing and implementing innovative public health initiatives.
- A results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Responsibilities
- Lead a dynamic division of over 500 employees with an annual budget of $85M and $70M in grant funding.
- Report directly to the Commissioner of Health.
- Set the strategic vision for advancing health equity, investing in place-based programming, embedding anti-racist practices, and driving systemic change across the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).
- Oversee the "Race to Justice" initiative, a transformative effort to dismantle institutional racism within DOHMH and beyond.
- Work with diverse teams, community partners, and city leaders to create policies and programs that deliver measurable, equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.
- Shape and execute a bold strategy to transform DOHMH into an anti-racist organization, embedding equity into every aspect of operations, policies, and programs.
- Oversee the Race to Justice initiative, building capacity across the agency to understand and address systemic racism while fostering a culture of accountability and measurable progress.
- Strengthen relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and city agencies to advance place-based health equity initiatives and improve coordination of services.
- Develop and implement cutting-edge public health policies and practices that address the root causes of health inequities and improve outcomes for NYC’s most impacted communities.
- Lead a team of Assistant Commissioners and equity champions, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to justice and equity.
- Represent CHECW at high-level meetings with City Hall, elected officials, and community stakeholders, advocating for policies and investments that prioritize health equity.
Benefits
- Federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs
- Premium-free health insurance plan
- Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
- Public sector defined benefit pension plan
- Tax-deferred savings program
- Robust Worksite Wellness Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
