Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department), established in 1805, is 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. CHECW focuses on the social, environmental, and commercial determinants of health, working to dismantle systemic injustice and build opportunities for all New Yorkers to thrive. CHECW collaborates with community and faith-based groups, health delivery organizations, and city agencies. It comprises seven bureaus: Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem Neighborhood Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Finance and Administrative Services, Equitable Health Systems, and the newly formed Queens Neighborhood Health bureau. The Office of the Chief Equity Officer, within CHECW, provides executive leadership to advance internal equity across the agency, focusing on embedding systemic equity principles into programs and operations. This office drives the Race to Justice initiative by promoting organizational accountability, informing strategic decisions, and supporting equitable practices throughout the department.

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

• 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

• 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
• Job security
• Potential eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director