Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs

Mayor's Office of Community Mental Health

Position:
Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs

Job Number: 44245

The Agency You’ll Join

The New York City Mayor’s Office is responsible for overseeing city services throughout the five

boroughs, coordinating public agencies and departments, and managing public property. New York

City Mayor Eric Adams is head of the executive branch of New York City's government. Previously,

Mayor Adams has served the people of New York City as an NYPD officer, state senator, and Brooklyn

borough president. The Adams’ administration is leading the fight to serve the people of the greatest

city in the world, ensuring delivery of efficient and effective services, working to make New York City’s

economy stronger, reducing inequality, improving public safety, and making the city more affordable

that meets the needs of all New Yorkers. We value leadership, transparency, fairness, and efficiency as

we actively seek diverse talents from various sectors to join our team. For current job opportunities

visit our careers page.

The Team You’ll Work With

The Mayor’s 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. OCMH’s priorities are rooted in equity, racial justice, and cultural responsiveness. OCMH
adopts a strength-based and community-centered approach that recognizes diverse perspectives, lived

experiences, resilience and unique needs of New Yorkers.

OCMH’s 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 Behavioral Health Workforce in NYC.

• Developing a Coordinated Mental Health Crisis Response System.

Overall, OCMH plays a critical role in advancing mental health services and coordinating policies across

agencies and its work is instrumental in improving mental health outcomes for all New Yorkers.

The Problems You’ll Solve

The Mayor’s Office of Community Mental Health (OCMH) is seeking a Deputy Executive Director,

External Affairs, to lead the multidisciplinary External Affairs team. This role involves managing

intergovernmental relationships, supporting policy development, and overseeing communications

strategies. The Deputy Executive Director will build partnerships with agency partners and elected

officials, while managing two direct reports and reporting to the Executive Director of OCMH.

The Deputy Executive Director, External Affairs is part of the executive leadership team and will have

the following main responsibilities:

Intergovernmental Affairs

• Lead coordination with City Hall and Intergovernmental Affairs on the Mayor’s legislative

agenda.

• Build and manage key relationships with government officials at all levels.

• Advocate for legislative priorities and provide strategic updates to the executive team.

Policy Development and Coordination

• Lead policy development and coordination across partnered agencies, working with the

executive team to meet agency goals and address community needs.

• Serve as the primary contact for policy work, collaborating with executive leadership on

legislative and regulatory matters related to mental health.

• Oversee and monitor projects, legislation, and policy initiatives, establishing metrics to evaluate

effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.

Internal/External Stakeholder Communication

• Oversee communications strategies by supervising the Senior Director of Communications,

ensuring strategic alignment with agencies, City Hall, and external stakeholders.

• Provide executive oversight to communications efforts, including media interactions,

messaging, and public events, while offering strategic insights to leadership.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Communications and Director of Research to develop

and oversee strategies for community outreach, feedback mechanisms, and public awareness.

General Support

• Oversee the preparation of briefing memoranda, conduct high-level research, and guide

strategic meeting planning.

• Lead major special projects and represent the Executive Director as needed.

About You

• You have an advanced degree in public administration, public health, mental health, public

policy, or law.

• You have over 8 years of experience in external affairs, policy development, and public

relations, including strategic leadership roles.

• You have professional experience in New York City and/or state government, with leadership

experience in high-impact organizations.

• You have a deep understanding of New York City and State government structures; federal

knowledge is a plus.

• You have excellent interpersonal, management, and leadership skills.

• You have strong oral and written communication skills, with proficiency in public speaking and

strategic planning.

• You have a proven ability to analyze policy developments, manage multiple projects, and

execute plans effectively.

• You have exceptional judgment, emotional intelligence, and cultural proficiency, with the ability

to handle sensitive information and work under pressure.

Salary

The City of New York Office of the Mayor’s compensation package includes a market competitive

salary, equity for all full-time roles and exceptional benefits. Our cash compensation range for this role

is $145,000 to $155,000.

Final offers may vary from the amount listed based on candidate experience and expertise, and other

factors.

Apply Now!

Equal Opportunity | Diversity Equity & Inclusion Statement

The Office of the Mayor is an 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.

The Adams Administration values diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences that is reflective of

the city it serves. Applicants of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged and welcome to apply.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable

accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on

this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by EEO at

EEO@cityhall.nyc.gov.

New York City Residency Is Required Within 90 Days of Appointment