Special Assistant, First Deputy Commissioner

City of New York • Long Island City, NY

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise. The First Deputy Commissioner’s Office works across the Health Department to advance key priorities, including advancing public health through addressing affordability. The Special Assistant to the First Deputy Commissioner (FDC) will provide administrative and programmatic support to the FDC by monitoring the progress of key initiatives and coordinating ongoing project management. In this position, the candidate will ensure that the ongoing activities of the office are well coordinated and completed within established timelines.

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

• Possesses excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong verbal and written communication, research, writing and editing skills
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across programs and with outside agencies
• Commitment to anti-racism, social justice and equity
• Exceptional prioritization and time management skills with demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload in a fast-paced environment
• Embraces ambiguity and has a willingness to “roll up their sleeves”
• A self-starter, comfortable working independently as well as in teams
• Experience working with executives and C-suite leaders

Responsibilities

• Quickly develop or coordinate the development of reports, briefings, presentations, analyses, and program updates at the request of the FDC
• Coordinate and organize all prep materials for the FDC for both internal and external meetings. This includes developing talking points, agendas, presentations, and maintaining awareness of FDC calendar
• Attend meetings with the FDC to record notes and track follow up items to completion with relevant staff
• Conduct, compile, and summarize research as needed to drive special projects
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across the Department and the City to advance and monitor the progress of key initiatives
• Be an ambassador for the Health Department and FDC office, managing relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders
• Participate in special projects and workgroups as assigned

Benefits

• Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance.
• Premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
• 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 with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• A tax-deferred savings program
• A robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
• Job Security

What This Job Offers

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