Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness

About the role

The Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer will lead a dynamic division of over 500 employees with an annual budget of $85M and $70M in grant funding. Reporting directly to the Commissioner of Health, you will set the strategic vision for advancing health equity, investing in place-based programming, embedding anti-racist practices, and driving systemic change across the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH).

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute a bold strategy to transform DOHMH into an anti-racist organization, embedding equity into every aspect of operations, policies, and programs.
• Oversee the Race to Justice initiative, building capacity across the agency to understand and address systemic racism while fostering a culture of accountability and measurable progress.
• Strengthen relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and city agencies to advance place-based health equity initiatives and improve coordination of services.
• Develop and implement cutting-edge public health policies and practices that address the root causes of health inequities and improve outcomes for NYC’s most impacted communities.
• Lead a team of Assistant Commissioners and equity champions, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to justice and equity.
• Represent CHECW at high-level meetings with City Hall, elected officials, and community stakeholders, advocating for policies and investments that prioritize health equity.

Requirements

We are seeking a bold, innovative leader with a deep commitment to racial justice and health equity. The ideal candidate will bring:

• A minimum of a Masters from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public policy, sociology, education, ethnic studies, public relations, social work, public health, public administration, or a related field;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of managerial experience especially within governmental or nonprofit sectors;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive responsibility in policy advocacy and/or community organizing in areas at the intersection of racial justice and health.

Qualifications

Education and Management Experience Requirements:

• A minimum of a Masters from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public policy, sociology, education, ethnic studies, public relations, social work, public health, public administration, or a related field;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of managerial experience especially within governmental or nonprofit sectors;
• A minimum of 5-7 years of progressive responsibility in policy advocacy and/or community organizing in areas at the intersection of racial justice and health.

Skills

The ideal candidate will bring:

• A demonstrated success in leading large teams and driving organizational change;
• A strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action and measurable results;
• A deep understanding of systemic racism and its impact on health outcomes;
• Experience applying a racial equity lens to decision-making, program design, and policy development;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders;
• A collaborative approach to leadership, fostering teamwork and shared accountability;
• A creative thinker with a track record of developing and implementing innovative public health initiatives;
• A results-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Benefits

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.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $220,000 per year.

Schedule

The schedule for this position is full-time.