Executive Director of Human Resources, Bureau of Human Resources and Labor Relations

This position is part of the City’s Civil Service system. While permanency is not currently required for the civil service title of Health Service Manager, a civil service exam may be scheduled in 2028. If scheduled, applicants must apply and take the exam during the official filing period. Eligibility for permanent appointment is subject to Civil Service rules and placement on an eligible list. For more information, visit NYC Civil Service Exams.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) is a globally recognized agency with a long history of protecting and promoting health in the nation’s most culturally and linguistically diverse city. Our 7,000-plus team members bring a wide array of languages, cultures, and experiences to public health work.

About the Role

The Division of Administration facilitates the work of the entire Agency. Reporting to the Assistant Commissioner, the Bureau of Human Resources and Labor Relations (HR/LR) seeks an experienced professional with extensive knowledge of personnel administration to serve as Executive Director. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations and executive administration of the Bureau of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
• Support the Bureau’s short- and long-term personnel goals through research, analysis, and recommendations, aligning HR objectives with agency priorities.
• Develop, update, and enforce agency-wide policies, procedures, and guidelines related to personnel management.
• Align internal programs and HR strategies, implement best practices, and restructure HR functions as needed.
• Provide leadership and guidance to Senior Directors and HR staff, maximizing their potential through motivation, development, and career advancement opportunities.
• Advise the Assistant Commissioner of Human Resources on personnel issues, lead special projects, and resolve complex HR challenges by identifying priorities and adjusting strategies.
• Set accountabilities and goals for talent acquisition, staffing, compliance, contracts, compensation, benefits, training, records management, succession planning, employee relations, EEO compliance, and labor relations.
• Collaborate with NYC oversight entities (City Administrative Services, Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, Office of Management and Budget) and union leadership to strengthen relationships.
• Monitor HR operations by tracking trends, setting performance metrics, and evaluating recruitment, training, and disciplinary processes to improve staff performance and productivity.
• Provide HR support to executive leadership, including Assistant Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, and the Commissioner of Health.
• Develop customer service strategies to foster collaboration across Agency divisions.
• Oversee key functions such as Leaves and Benefits, Personnel Actions, and Hiring/Civil Service, ensuring continuity during public health emergencies and emergency activations.
• Participate in executive search committees to recruit senior leadership and implement agency-wide initiatives as directed by the Assistant Commissioner.

Qualifications

A master’s degree from an accredited college in hospital administration, public health, community health, health administration, emergency preparedness planning/management, emergency medical services, fire safety, law enforcement, homeland security, project management, public administration, business administration, management, or administration and three years of full-time satisfactory experience in a health services setting (e.g., laboratory, hospital, public health, community health, environmental health, school health, social services, or mental hygiene program), including at least 18 months in a managerial or administrative capacity requiring independent decision-making in program management, planning, evaluation, resource allocation, and work scheduling.

OR

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and five years of full-time satisfactory experience as described above.

OR

An associate’s degree from an accredited college and seven years of full-time satisfactory experience as described above.

OR

A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent plus nine years of full-time satisfactory experience as described above.

OR

Education and/or experience equivalent to the above. Education may substitute for experience as follows:

• Each 30 graduate semester credits in a relevant field may substitute for one year of non-managerial experience (up to 60 credits for two years).
• Each 30 undergraduate semester credits may substitute for one year of non-managerial experience (up to four years).

All candidates must have a high school diploma or its equivalent and 18 months of managerial experience as described above.

This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability eligible for the 55-a Program. Indicate interest in your resume and cover letter.

Benefits

• Premium-free health insurance plan, saving employees over $10,000 annually (2024 assessment).
• Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on union/benefit fund.
• Public sector defined-benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
• Tax-deferred savings program.
• Robust Worksite Wellness Program offering resources to maintain health.
• Potential for up to two remote workdays per week, depending on position.
• Enhanced job security compared to private-sector employment.
• Eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs (e.g., Public Service Loan Forgiveness).

About the Agency

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. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and create a city where everyone can achieve optimal health. We lead initiatives in food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice. As the primary population health strategist for NYC, we have a rich history of public health innovation, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain City employees with two continuous years of service may also reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.