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

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.

The Center for Health Equity & Community Wellness (CHECW) seeks to eliminate racial and other inequities resulting in premature mortality. We are seeking a visionary leader to serve as Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, driving transformative change to create healthier, more equitable communities across New York City.

About CHECW: CHECW is at the forefront of addressing the root causes of health inequities. With a focus on social, environmental, and commercial determinants of health, we work to dismantle centuries of systemic injustice and build a future where every New Yorker has the opportunity to thrive. Our work spans community and healthcare systems, partnering with community and faith-based groups, health delivery organizations, and city agencies to tackle inequities head-on.

CHECW is home to seven bureaus, including Bronx, Brooklyn, and Harlem Neighborhood Health, Chronic Disease Prevention, Finance and Administrative Services, and Equitable Health Systems. CHECW also houses the newly formed Queens Neighborhood Health bureau. Together, we address both upstream and downstream factors to improve health outcomes for all.

The Office of the Chief Equity Officer, housed within CHECW, provides executive leadership to advance equity internally across the agency, with a particular focus on embedding systemic equity principles into programs, and operations. The office advances the Race to Justice initiative by driving organizational accountability, informing strategic decision-making, and supporting the implementation of equitable practices across all levels of the department.

The Opportunity: As Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, you 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).

The Deputy Commissioner will oversee the "Race to Justice" initiative, a transformative effort to dismantle institutional racism within DOHMH and beyond. You will work with diverse teams, community partners, and city leaders to create policies and programs that deliver measurable, equitable outcomes for all New Yorkers.

What You’ll Do

Lead with Vision: Shape and execute a bold strategy to transform DOHMH into an anti-racist organization, embedding equity into every aspect of operations, policies, and programs.

Drive Change: 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.

Build Partnerships: Strengthen relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, and city agencies to advance place-based health equity initiatives and improve coordination of services.

Innovate for Impact: 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.

Inspire and Empower: Lead a team of Assistant Commissioners and equity champions, fostering collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to justice and equity.

Champion Equity: Represent CHECW at high-level meetings with City Hall, elected officials, and community stakeholders, advocating for policies and investments that prioritize health equity.

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

Education and Management Experience Requirements: 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

Leadership & Vision: Demonstrated success in leading large teams and driving organizational change.

A strategic mindset with the ability to translate vision into action and measurable results.

Equity Expertise: 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.

Collaboration & Communication: Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders.

A collaborative approach to leadership, fostering teamwork and shared accountability.

Innovation & Impact: 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.

Why Join Us? This is your chance to lead transformative work that will shape the future of public health in NYC. As Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Drive systemic change and make a measurable impact on health equity. Collaborate with passionate, mission-driven colleagues and community partners.

Lead innovative initiatives that address the root causes of health inequities.

Be part of a team that is reimagining what’s possible for public health in NYC.

Ready to Make a Difference? Join us in building a healthier, more equitable future for all New Yorkers. Apply today to become the Deputy Commissioner/Chief Equity Officer at CHECW.

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.

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.

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (MENTAL HE - 95477

• 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.