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

City of New York • New York, NY

5d • $109,565 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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
• 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
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 5–7 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 Division’s 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.

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.
• A public sector defined benefit pension plan
• A tax-deferred savings program
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program

What This Job Offers

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