First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff serves as the principal strategic partner to the Commissioner, overseeing the coordination and execution of the agency’s work across divisions. As a key advisor and trusted leader, the First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff ensures that MOIA’s policy, programmatic, and operational priorities are implemented effectively and efficiently. The First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff is a member of MOIA’s senior leadership team and works closely with the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners to ensure effective management and implementation of the office’s priorities. In this role, the First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff oversees Deputy Commissioners and key administrative units, aligns agency strategy with day-to-day execution, and ensures coordination across internal teams, City Hall, and partner agencies. The First Deputy Commissioner & Chief of Staff translates the Commissioner’s priorities into agency-wide action, manages high-priority initiatives, and ensures that MOIA operates with clarity, accountability, and efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required.
8+ years of progressively responsible experience in government, nonprofit leadership, public policy, or a related field.
Strong organizational, strategic thinking, and leadership abilities.
Experience in managing operations and projects within a complex organizational structure.
Proficient in managing budgets, resources, and staff.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with various stakeholders.
Experience working in or with government agencies or large public institutions.
Ability to manage complex policy and operational initiatives simultaneously.
Strong political judgment and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

Serve as the key advisor to the Commissioner, providing strategic counsel on agency direction, priorities, and operations.
Oversee the work of Deputy Commissioners and guide cross-divisional initiatives across the agency to ensure alignment with agency priorities.
Translate agency priorities into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
Ensure alignment between policy, community engagement, communications, and operations.
Manage internal decision-making processes and agency-wide strategic planning.
Lead rapid response to emerging issues affecting immigrant communities.
Serve as the Commissioner’s principal advisor on agency management, strategy, and execution.
Oversee the work of Deputy Commissioners and ensure alignment across divisions.
Lead senior staff coordination and ensure effective communication across MOIA.
Represent the Commissioner in internal and external meetings.
Lead agency strategic planning and ensure priorities translate into operational plans.
Oversee cross-division initiatives and ensure coordination across policy, programs, and community engagement.
Monitor implementation of major initiatives and troubleshoot operational barriers.
Support the Commissioner in advancing key policy priorities across City government.
Oversee internal operations, including HR and staffing, budgeting, contracts and procurement, and other internal systems.
Ensure effective project management and operational coordination across teams.
Establish systems that improve efficiency, accountability, and performance management.
Support recruitment, staff development, and leadership capacity across MOIA.
Serve as a senior liaison between MOIA and City agencies, City Hall, and external partners.
Oversee interagency initiatives impacting immigrant communities.
Support the Commissioner in managing relationships with elected officials, advocates, and community stakeholders.
Ensure effective coordination across communications, policy, and community engagement teams.
Support the Commissioner in advancing programs and initiatives that address the needs of immigrant communities.
Ensure initiatives are aligned with the office’s strategic goals and coordinated across divisions.
Oversee staff supervision and performance management to support professional development and high performance.
Mentor and supervise staff, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven workplace culture.
Coordinate MOIA’s response to emerging issues affecting immigrant communities.
Ensure rapid internal coordination during policy developments, emergencies, or enforcement actions.
Work with City Hall and agency partners to ensure aligned public and policy responses.
Oversee budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation in coordination with the Commissioner and senior leadership.
Ensure compliance with City financial management and procurement rules.
Monitor contracts, vendor relationships, and operational expenditures.
Ensure full compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Oversee adherence to City financial management, procurement, and contract regulations.
Undertake additional projects and responsibilities as needed to meet evolving organizational priorities.
Work with staff to address emerging challenges and opportunities as they arise.