The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH) coordinates and develops citywide policies and strategies to fill critical gaps in mental healthcare so every New Yorker, in every neighborhood, has the support they need. OCMH was codified into the City Charter by Executive Order 68 and Local Law 155 by the City Council in December of 2021, becoming the first mayoral office dedicated to addressing the mental health of New Yorkers. OCMH coordinates the development of citywide policies and strategies to fill critical gaps in mental healthcare. OCMH works with City agencies to reduce barriers to mental health care for underserved communities. OCMH’s priorities are rooted in equity, racial justice, and cultural responsiveness. OCMH adopts a strength-based and community-centered approach that recognizes diverse perspectives, lived experiences, resilience and unique needs of New Yorkers.

OCMH’s priorities are:

- Improving Access to Mental Health Care and Equitable Distribution of Resources
- Partnering with Communities to Elevate Mental Health Promotion and Community Resilience
- Building and Supporting the Mental Health Workforce in NYC
- Developing a Coordinated Mental Health Crisis Response System

Overall, OCMH plays a critical role in advancing mental health services and policies in the community, and its work is instrumental in improving mental health outcomes for all New Yorkers.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH) is seeking a Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs who will head the multidisciplinary External Affairs team within the office. The Deputy Executive Director will serve a dual role of managing intergovernmental and media strategic relationships to amplify the impact of OCMH. The External Affairs team enhances the office’s work through communications and partnerships with media, agency partners as well as elected officials in all levels of government. The Deputy Executive Director will report to the Executive Director of OCMH and will directly manage 4 staff members.The Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs will work closely with the Executive Director of OCMH and executive staff to set and execute the External Affairs strategy for the office.

Additionally, the Deputy Executive Director will have the following main responsibilities:

- Manage existing agency relationships and coordinate interagency actions/projects, as well as establish new agency partners to ensure consistent, clear and effective external communication for OCMH
- Lead special projects and serve as a proxy for the Executive Director in senior level meetings, as needed
- Serve as a senior leader within OCMH by providing guidance and tools to staff on internal and external messaging related to External Affairs to ensure the office is meeting its strategic aims.
- Provide leadership support on new and ongoing projects and events on an as needed basis.
- Serve as a proxy for the Executive Director of OCMH in senior level meetings and events as needed.
- Oversee, supervise and support OCMH’s Communications workstream by directing and supporting the development of OCMH’s media strategy to ensure clear and compelling updates to the public on OCMH’s work
o Foster and direct the management of strong strategic relationships with media, elected officials and teams at city, state and federal level and identify opportunities to improve external impact for the Office.
- Oversee, supervise and support the intergovernmental affairs workstream
o Coordinate with senior leadership staff on legislative and regulatory matters impacting the mental healthcare system and oversee respective interagency coordination to assess, develop and implement policy, law and regulatory strategies
- Oversee, supervise and support the development of research priorities for the office.
o Ensure communication strategies are effectively directed toward and responsive to key demographics

Preferred Skills and/or Qualifications:
- Advanced degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, public health, mental health, human services, policy, or communications
- 5+ years relevant experience in government affairs, including strategic leadership with progressive responsibilities.
- Professional experience in New York City and/or state government is valued as is having relevant leadership experiences in a high impact organization
- A deep understanding of New York City and State government structures and processes, with federal knowledge a plus
- Excellent management and leadership skills
- Strong persuasive oral and written communication skills, public speaking and presentation skills in addition to strategic planning and organizational skills are essential.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in team environment
- Ability to think critically and strategically, consider multiple perspective, build consensus, manage change, articulate priorities, and execute plans for intergovernmental affairs and communications
- Exceptional judgment, high level of emotional intelligence including the ability to work under pressure against tight deadlines, observe dynamics and support a positive work culture
- Accuracy and attention to detail in managing multiple initiatives and priorities, along with experience in simultaneously managing an array of projects and events across multiple time frames to completion
- Demonstrated cultural proficiency and experience working with communities of color in urban, underserved neighborhoods that bear a disproportionately high burden of illness and premature death.
- Acute business acumen and ability to handle highly sensitive information and confidential documents appropriately
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel


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.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in public administration, public health, mental health, human services, policy, communications or a closely related field and five (5) years of satisfactory, full-time experience in government affairs, including strategic leadership with progressive responsibilities.

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

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Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs, Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health