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

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

7d • 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 for New York City, influencing mental health, substance use, and related services. The Director develops divisional policy priorities, conducts research and analysis, prepares agency leadership for legislative and intergovernmental engagements, leads legislative agenda-setting, and coordinates policy work across bureaus and agencies. The position directly supervises and mentors a Policy Analyst and supports additional projects identified by agency or bureau leadership.

The position is classified as City Research Scientist. The posting describes City employment benefits, including health insurance, 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 at Assignment Level II and above, candidates must meet one of the listed education and experience pathways: a doctorate in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science plus one year of full-time responsible supervisory, administrative, or research experience; a master's degree in an appropriate field plus three years of responsible full-time research experience; or equivalent education and/or experience.
• All candidates for Assignment Level II and above must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field and at least two years of the specified experience. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I may substitute for the experience required in the listed pathways.
• 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 high-quality written work products 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 findings and data into evidence-based 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 establish coordinated policy positions across DMH bureaus.
• Serve as the primary liaison to key intergovernmental partners, coordinate vetted agency responses, and align messaging across internal subject-matter experts.
• Facilitate collaboration across bureaus and agencies, working with External Affairs, the Office of the Agency General Counsel, and the Office of the Commissioner.
• Translate complex research and regulatory developments into accessible, actionable materials for internal leadership and external stakeholders.
• Directly supervise and mentor a Policy Analyst, supporting professional growth and high-quality policy analysis and production.
• Support additional policy projects 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 says it saves employees over $10,000 annually according to a 2024 assessment.
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based 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