Special Assistant, Office of the Commissioner

The Office of the Commissioner oversees the Health Department's strategic public health planning efforts, initiatives, policies and program development in support of protecting and promoting the health and safety of New Yorkers. The Chief of Staff (COS) oversees the Office of the Commissioner, works closely with agency leadership, City Hall, and leadership of sister City agencies to advance Department priorities. The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS) in close collaboration with the Chief of Staff, manages the Commissioner's Office, and advances the priorities of the agency. The Deputy Chief of Staff serves as lead for key issues that require a high level of cross-division collaboration, and coordination with City Hall and sister agencies. The Deputy Chief of Staff also serves as a strategic partner to the Commissioner.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff and the Deputy Chief of Staff, the Special Assistant will provide administrative and programmatic support by monitoring the progress of key or special initiatives, coordinating ongoing projects, and helping to advance the agency's policy and engagement efforts. In the position, the candidate will ensure that the ongoing activities of the office are well coordinated and completed within established timelines.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO
The selected candidate will be expected to quickly develop or coordinate the development of reports, briefings, presentations, analyses and program updates at the request of the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff. The Special Assistant will collaborate with key stakeholders across the agency, at sister agencies and with City Hall to monitor and finalize requests and initiatives.

The Special Assistant will serve as the Commissioner's Office liaison for divisions as assigned. As such, attend all Deputy Commissioner 1:1 meetings with the Commissioner, all Division meetings and other meetings related to projects carried out by those divisions, record and send follow up actions via email to all meeting attendees, and track follow up items to completion with Deputy Commissioner office staff.

Support the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff with organization and activities related to advisory groups, taskforces and other meeting series. Assist with agency-wide events and communications as needed. Track and report on various City Hall-led initiatives and activities.

Maintain oversight of the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff's calendar. Coordinate and organize all prep materials for Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff for both internal and external meetings.

Attend internal and external meetings and events with the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff to offer support and record and track follow ups.

Be an ambassador for the Health Department and Commissioner's Office, managing relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders. Participate in special projects and workgroups as assigned by the Chief of Staff and Deputy Chief of Staff.

Serve as the backup to the Commissioner's Special Assistant, including management of documents for the Commissioner's review, management and oversight of the Commissioner's calendar, collecting and organizing agendas for the Commissioner's meetings, adding the Commissioner's signature to approved documents, and tracking all follow-ups for the Commissioner's office.

Serve as backup to the Commissioner's Special Assistant with the Executive Communications team in Office of External Affairs around Commissioner speaking engagements.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Strong planning and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communications (both oral and written), presentation, editing and research skills.
• Exceptional prioritization and time management skills with demonstrated ability to manage a diverse and demanding workload in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across programs and with outside agencies.
• Solution oriented, with robust problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to anti-racism, social justice, and equity
• Embraces ambiguity and has a willingness to roll up their sleeves
• High degree of self-awareness, humility, and diplomacy.
• A self-starter, comfortable working independently as well as in teams.
• Experience working with executives and C-suite leaders.

Why you should work for us:

• 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. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
• Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:

o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.

• Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.

- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

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.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at sahn1@health.nyc.gov or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744