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

City of New York • New York, NY

12h • $109,565 - $150,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s Division of Mental Hygiene is seeking an equity-driven policy leader to serve as Director of Policy within the Office of the Executive Deputy Commissioner. The role shapes behavioral health policy across New York City, including mental health, substance use, and related services for the city’s residents. The Director develops divisional policy priorities, conducts research and analysis, advances evidence-based recommendations, and supports executive leadership in legislative and intergovernmental matters. The position also leads annual legislative agenda-setting, coordinates policy work across bureaus and agencies, translates complex information into accessible materials, and supervises a Policy Analyst.

The posting lists a salary band of $125,000 to $150,000 and compensation of USD 109,565 to USD 126,000. City employees may be eligible for loan forgiveness and repayment assistance, health and other benefits, a defined-benefit pension, a tax-deferred savings program, and a Worksite Wellness Program. Depending on the position, employees may be able to work from home up to two days per week. Appointments are subject to a minimum one-year probationary period.

Requirements

• For appointment to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: a relevant doctorate and one year of full-time responsible supervisory, administrative, or research experience; a relevant master’s degree and three years of responsible full-time research experience; or equivalent education and experience, with at least a relevant master’s degree and at least two years of the described experience.
• Appointments are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

Nice To Haves

• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in health policy, government affairs, or a related field, with 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 written work such as testimony, policy briefs, or legislative memos.
• Supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop divisional policy priorities, translating research and data into actionable recommendations with an equity and social justice lens.
• Conduct and oversee research and analysis on emerging policy issues, regulatory developments, and best practices.
• Synthesize research and data into 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 intergovernmental engagements.
• Lead the Division’s annual legislative agenda-setting process and coordinate policy positions across DMH bureaus.
• Serve as the primary liaison to key intergovernmental partners, coordinating agency responses and aligned messaging.
• Facilitate cross-bureau and cross-agency collaboration, working 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 internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Supervise and mentor a Policy Analyst, supporting professional growth and high-quality policy analysis and production.
• Support additional policy projects as identified by agency or bureau leadership.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for federal or state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs.
• Premium-free health insurance plan; the posting states this can save employees over $10,000 annually based on a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available depending on the position’s associated union or benefit fund.
• Public sector defined-benefit pension plan.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Worksite Wellness Program.
• Depending on the position, the ability to work from home up to two days during the week.
• Job security compared with private-sector employment.

What This Job Offers

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