Director of Strategic Operations

About the position The Center for Population Health Data Science (CPHDS), launched in October 2023, aims to catalyze critical data modernization work and enable the agency to make progress toward linking public health, healthcare, and social service for timely and effective public action. We are working towards making these data more accessible, timely, equitable, meaningfully usable, and protected – and actively used to protect and promote the health and well-being of New Yorkers. We aim to strengthen agency-wide data capabilities by empowering our workforce, enhancing intra- and inter-agency data sharing, and using modern technology to yield trusted and integrated data and insights. A real-time and comprehensive view of city needs is needed to enhance public health actions and improve health outcomes for the most vulnerable New Yorkers. This position will be based at the Health Department’s office in Long Island City, NY, with the possibility of hybrid work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute high-priority strategic initiatives in partnership with CPHDS leadership, and often shaping direction as work evolves
• Support AI and data modernization efforts, including identifying opportunities to use AI to improve our work and increasing AI literacy throughout the Agency
• Develop and implement funding and revenue strategies in collaboration with administrative, finance, and legal teams
• Build strong working relationships across teams to support coordination and execution
• Translate broad priorities into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables, adjusting as needed to maintain momentum
• Step into undefined or ambiguous emerging areas to scope problems, frame risks, and recommend paths forward
• Identify risks and challenges early and proactively implement practical solutions
• Develop scopes of work and oversee consultants and project-based resources
• Lead and support change efforts that help embed new ways of working into day-to-day practice
• Identify opportunities to improve how work gets done and introduce practical, right-sized solutions
• Help the organization move from planning to sustained execution, making change part of routine operations
• Develop and refine a multi-year strategic roadmap aligned with CPHDS and agency priorities
• Translate leadership priorities into actionable plans with clear milestones and outcomes
• Manage the development of bureau and Center goals and coordinate regular reporting
• Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress
• Align strategic priorities with available funding sources, including grants and other opportunities
• Develop and implement long-term funding and revenue approaches, working with subject matter experts
• Lead planning efforts such as retreats, workshops, and strategy sessions that drive clarity, alignment, and action
• Direct change management efforts to create a positive and collaborative culture and align work with the strategic plan, working with CPHDS leadership and Administration.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across CPHDS, DOHMH bureaus, and external partners
• Ensure teams are aligned on priorities, timelines, ownership, next steps, and expected outcomes
• Coordinate efforts across multiple groups to keep work progressing efficiently
• Serve as a central point of coordination for initiatives involving multiple stakeholders
• Support external partnerships and collaborations, ensuring they align with program goals
• Provide clear, actionable updates to leadership to support decision-making
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and deliverables
• Track progress across initiatives and ensure work stays on schedule
• Identify and address risks, delays, and dependencies
• Ensure clear ownership of tasks and follow-through on deliverables
• Organize meetings, agendas, and documentation to support progress
• Provide regular updates to leadership on status and outcomes
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and team effectiveness

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of eight years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified above
• Familiarity with public health and/or data modernization, or strong interest in learning more about public health and data modernization
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, managing complex projects, coordinating across diverse teams, and delivering results on time
• The ideal candidate for this role will be a strategic problem solver and able to work both independently and alongside the strong teams within CPHDS to deliver results, with the ability to learn quickly, and solve problems in a dynamic environment

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with change management is a plus
• Project management experience
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint

Benefits

• Hybrid Work Schedule.
• Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays.
• An attractive and comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental and Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Commuter Benefits.
• Company Paid Life Insurance and Disability Coverage.
• 403 (b) + employer matching and discretionary company contributions.
• College Savings Plan.
• Ongoing training and continuous opportunities for professional growth and development

Apply To This Job