Deputy Commissioner of Disease Control, Division Management & Systems Coordination

The mission of the Division of Disease Control is to safeguard the health of New Yorkers through the identification, surveillance, treatment, control and prevention of infectious diseases, using a racial justice framework and population-specific strategies to prioritize addressing inequalities in disease control

Reporting to the Commissioner of Health, the Deputy Commissioner is responsible for overseeing and managing the Division of Disease Control. The Deputy Commissioner will provide leadership support on key public health and infectious disease control matters, with oversight of a $350 million budget and leadership to over 1,300 staff in the following programs: Public Health Laboratory (PHL); Public Health Clinics; Tuberculosis Control (TB); Hepatitis, HIV and STI; Communicable Diseases; Immunization; Division Management & Systems Coordination; HIV Planning Council.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Advise the Commissioner of Health and Assistant Commissioners on matters related to public health issues in areas of disease control.
- Direct and supervise Assistant Commissioners and/or other staff in the programs/functions listed above.
- Direct and supervise policy development, program planning and implementation, evaluation and review of programs/functions in areas of jurisdiction, as listed above.
- Consult and communicate with federal, state and local governmental agencies on policies and programs related to the public health areas under the jurisdiction of the Division of Disease Control.
- Support institutional and systems change to advance racial equity across the division, bureau and agency workforce
- Oversee activities throughout the city for the prevention and control of conditions in the Division's area of jurisdiction that are detrimental to the health and well-being of the population of New York City.
- Assume role of Incident Commander during agency public health emergency responses related to infectious disease.
- Coordinate the development of Emergency Preparedness protocols for units under areas of jurisdiction.
- Support the move and opening of the new location for Public Health Lab and the Harlem Quickie Lab in 2026
- Maintain a network of community-based organizations, academic, governmental and private sector organizations and advocacy groups to support the Department's mission and establishes procedures for facilitating collaboration in addressing public health issues.
- Establish procedures for and facilitates research within the division and the agency. Directs and coordinates ongoing review and monitoring of epidemiological studies and communicable disease treatment in hospitals, clinics and similar institutions.
- Establish procedures for and facilitates the review and revision of current laws, codes, rules and regulations governing public health activities.
- Propose, develop, and comment on public health and safety legislation pertaining to areas of expertise. Testify at public hearings related to infectious disease issues in NYC.
- Review and prepare responses to legislation proposed by other federal, state, and local agencies.
- Direct epidemiological investigation of cases of infectious disease, the isolation and quarantine of such cases, and their removal to hospitals when medically indicated.
- Represent the agency for external meetings with City Hall, elected officials, community-based organizations and others as requested by the Commissioner.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Minimum of seven years' experience in public health, including senior management roles in a medical setting.
- Possess broad knowledge of public health with emphasis on the control and prevention of communicable diseases, environmental diseases, and occupational diseases.
- Demonstrated ability to assess public health problems, formulate and interpret policies, manage and implement programs and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of relevant city, state and federal public health laws, rules and regulations, and the ability to interpret and apply them.
- Proven leadership and management experience, including ability to manage a large team and evaluate multiple programmatic areas.
- Excellent oral, written, communication and quantitative skills, with the ability and experience to develop and interpret materials on scientific issues for a general audience.
- Ability to work effectively with city, state and federal officials.
- Extensive medical and scientific knowledge of infectious disease surveillance, the use of data to inform decision-making, interventions to prevent and mitigate the impact of infectious diseases, and skill in the application of appropriate concepts; and
- Comprehensive understanding of public health laboratory system, disease surveillance, and outbreak response integration; quality and safety management, biosafety standards and regulatory framework; and data governance and laboratory information systems.
- An informed perspective on applying a racial equity lens to improving the health of New Yorkers.
- Able to work in a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment effectively.
- Ability to deal with multiple and changing demands in a fast-paced environment.

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 [email protected] or 347-396-6549.

AGENCY MEDICAL DIRECTOR - 5304A

1. Possession of a valid license to practice medicine in the State of New York plus valid Board Certification issued by the appropriate American Specialty Board in
an approved medical specialty; and four years of medical practice including one year of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity; or

2. A combination of education and/or experience equivalent to that listed in "1" above. However, all candidates must have a valid license to practice medicine in
the State of New York, and one year of medical practice in an administrative or supervisory capacity

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.