Deputy Commissioner/Chief Program Officer

About the role

The NYC Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) promotes and supports inclusive, safe, affordable, healthy aging. NYC Aging remains steadfast in its role and responsibility to preserve the dignity and quality of life for approximately 1.8 million diverse older New Yorkers by eliminating food insecurity, providing access to affordable, stable housing, enhancing access to quality healthcare services and protecting older New Yorkers from harm and abuse with the ultimate goal of a more age-friendly city in which older adults can age gracefully with respect.

The Division of Program operates a range of programs to advance the Agency's mission, including Older Adult Centers (OACs) which provide older New Yorkers with community-based, wrap-around services, including meals, health and educational workshops, information, benefits navigation and referrals, and recreational activities that enrich lives.

Centers are located in public and private facilities citywide and are operated by contracted nonprofit organizations.

The Deputy Commissioner/Chief Program Officer will oversee the daily operation and administration of the following Bureaus: Community Services, Nutrition & Meal Programs, Program Operations & Capacity Building, Social Services and Workforce & Community Development, to ensure the maximum effectiveness of functions and consistency of policy.

This is a unique strategic opportunity to serve as a member of an Executive Cabinet committed to and executing transformative change in service delivery to older adults. The responsibilities of the Deputy Commissioner/Chief Program Officer include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for management of NYC Aging Programs, the lead strategic director, and oversee two Associate Commissioners. Work with the Commissioner, First Deputy Commissioner, Bureau of Financial Services, Bureau of Planning, Research, Evaluation and Training and the Division of Operations and Administration and key program staff, to stand up and administer vibrant robust programming for NYC Older Adults.
• Serve as advisor to the Commissioner concerning matters related to agency goals, initiatives, operations, administration, and Bureau program issues. Advise and direct Associate Commissioner (Assistant Commissioners and Senior Directors) on operating and policy issues and will facilitate communication between the Executive Office and senior level staff in relation to the daily operations of the Bureaus in Program Operations.
• Work closely with Associate Commissioner for Interagency Collaboration and Innovation and Assistant Commissioner for External Affairs to ensure that strategy and operations align with agency mission.
• Create and implement a communication (bulletins, regular cadence of meetings) with network Executive Directors.
• Develop and execute ongoing planning and program operations meetings with the provider network
• Attend meetings with and on behalf of the Commissioner at public and private events. Collaborate with the Mayor's Office on projects and proposals and serve as liaison to the Mayor's Office and other City agencies as needed.
• Oversee efforts to improve the quality of programs and increase participation by older adults.
• Develop and coordinate overall planning and design of all program initiatives.
• Coordinate with Office of Human Resources to identify and implement any tools, techniques and training that will guide professional development of program staff.
• Coordinate with the Office of Provider Training and Capacity Building to provide training to provider setwork staff.
• Collaborate with community stakeholders and agency staff around program initiatives.
• Ensure data collections and reporting to oversight committees and ensure adherence to best practices and required city, state and federal oversight.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited college with a baccalaureate degree and five (5) years of full-time, professional experience in social services, community relations, public administration or management, of which at least one and one-half years must have been in an administrative or managerial capacity; or
• Education and experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have one and one-half years of experience in an administrative or managerial capacity.