Deputy Executive Director External Affairs Mayors Office of Community Mental Health

The Mayors 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. OCMHs priorities are rooted in equity racial justice and cultural responsiveness. OCMH adopts a strengthbased and communitycentered approach that recognizes diverse perspectives lived experiences resilience and unique needs of New Yorkers.

OCMHs 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 Mayors 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 offices 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 OCMHs Communications workstream by directing and supporting the development of OCMHs media strategy to ensure clear and compelling updates to the public on OCMHs work
oFoster 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
oCoordinate 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.
oEnsure 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 Educations website ()
Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
oa premiumfree health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually per a 2024 assessment.
oadditional health fitness and financial benefits may be available based on the positions associated union/benefit fund.
oa public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
oa taxdeferred savings program and
oa 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 antitobacco 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 COVID19 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 SyeEun Ahn Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity at or.

Qualifications :

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 fulltime experience in government affairs including strategic leadership with progressive responsibilities.

Additional Information :

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 individuals sex race color ethnicity national origin age religion disability sexual orientation veteran status gender identity or pregnancy.

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Fulltime