Community Legislative Liaison, Bureau of Government Affairs

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (The Health Department) protects and promotes the health of eight million New Yorkers with a budget of $2 billion, and roughly 7,000 staff. Central to this effort are programs that combat communicable diseases, expand access to health care, provide maternal health support, surveil human health conditions from chronic disease to mental health and substance use issues, and tackle other public health challenges. Pursuing effective public health policy is also vital to this work. The Legislative Affairs unit within the Bureau of Government Affairs plays a central role in DOHMH's ability to fulfil its mission by developing the agency's legislative agenda at the City, State and Federal levels, serving as the agency's point of contact for elected officials and coordinating legislative discussions with the Mayor's office and other City agencies. The Bureau also coordinates the Department's appearance at public hearings; maintain relationships with advocacy groups, civic organizations and lobbyists; and coordinates with the agency's press office and communications teams on external communications and events. The Community Affairs Unit helps the Department maintain good relations with elected officials, community boards, civic organizations, and other stakeholders by responding quickly and accurately to requests for information, organizing speakers for community events, problem solving and informing members of Department initiatives. The Legislative Affairs and Community Affairs units in the Office of External Affairs within the Bureau of Government Affairs seek to hire a Community Legislative Liaison.

Duties Will Include But Not Be Limited to:

• Respond in a timely, concise, and intelligible fashion to inquiries from local elected officials, community boards and the general public
• Attend and represent the Department at community board meetings, town halls, public meetings in response to day-to-day operations and public health emergencies
• Disseminate public health information to community stakeholders and the public
• Provides staffing and supporting role to the Public Information Office (PIO) during public health emergency activations
• Participates in public health emergency trainings
• Coordinate logistics of convening community/public forums and meetings with other city agencies and stake holders (e.g. hospitals)
• Research, track, and analyze legislation and coordinate the department’s response in areas that may include the Office of Emergency Preparedness, Center for Population Health Data Science federal affairs, and other program areas as needed.
• Prep executive-level leadership in the agency for public hearings and meetings with elected officials.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with other organizational units within the Health Department and other key partners.
• Assist in developing and implementing legislative strategies.
• Serve as a liaison to the Mayor’s Office by representing the Department’s position on public health issues and coordinating with internal partners.
• Investigate and respond to elected official requests regarding general information on Health Department programs or actions.
• Develop briefing materials and other content with research data and reports for the city council, state legislature, and federal government.
• Maintenance of other internal unit and/or division organizational systems.
• Respond in a timely, concise, and intelligible fashion to inquiries from local elected officials, community boards, and the general public
• Special projects as assigned by the director PREFERRED SKILLS:
• Excellent analytical, political, and writing skills.
• Experience working in government and/or intergovernmental/legislative affairs.
• Academic background in political science, public policy, public health, or related field.
• Spreadsheets, Airtable, and data-tracking skills.
• Must be self-motivated, able to work on multiple responsibilities simultaneously, and share the agency’s commitment to public health.

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! Commitment to Equity: 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.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
• High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
• Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.