Chief of Staff

About the role

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City's evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for staff, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody.

Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledge experts.

The Department is seeking a strategic, highly organized, and politically astute executive to serve as Chief of Staff (COS) to the Commissioner. Reporting directly to the Commissioner, the COS will serve as a trusted advisor and key partner to the Commissioner, ensuring effective coordination, execution, and alignment of agency priorities.

The COS will manage executive operations, coordinate cross-divisional efforts, and ensure accountability across the agency. The COS must be able to operate both strategically and tactically - driving high-level planning while ensuring day-to-day execution remains aligned with the Commissioner's vision.

The COS will serve as principal advisor to the Commissioner on policy, operational, and organizational matters; translate the Commissioner's vision into actionable strategies and measurable outcomes; ensure alignment and coordination among senior leadership; support the Commissioner in external engagements with government officials, community stakeholders, labor partners, and oversight bodies; and lead organizational improvement initiatives as directed by the Commissioner.

The COS plays a pivotal role in ensuring the Commissioner's Office operates with clarity, discipline, and strategic focus. This position is central to advancing agency priorities, strengthening internal alignment, and enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.

Preferred Skills

• At least ten (10) or more years of extensive managerial, executive or supervisory experience in a Correctional or Criminal justice administration.
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations, consent decrees, minimum standards and other legal mandates which affect the field of correction.
• Advanced strategic planning and performance management expertise and ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Ability to communicate highly sensitive, and complex information clearly and succinctly, both orally and in writing.
• Excellent investigative skills, communications skills, strong analytical, research, and problem-solving ability.
• Strong collaborator across multiple diverse teams, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to build relationships, help develop junior team members, and work effectively with diverse stakeholders internally and externally.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive results in a fast-paced environment.