Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene

Job Description:The New York State Executive Chamber seeks a highly motivated individual to serve as Assistant Secretary for Human Services & Mental Hygiene. The Assistant Secretary will be part of a team of Assistant Secretaries reporting to the Deputy Secretary, charged with implementing the Governor's agenda to strengthen human services and mental hygiene and helping provide support and oversight of various state agencies, including: Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Office of the Chief Disability Officer, Office of Children and Family Services, Office of Mental Health, Office for People with Developmental Disabilities, Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence, Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, Council on Children and Family Services, and the Council on Developmental Disabilities.Duties:Report to the Deputy Secretary for Human Services and Mental Hygiene.Oversee agency operations to ensure they are in line with the Governor's vision and direction, with a specific focus on human services agencies within the portfolio. Serve as Chamber representative to relevant task forces, as needed, such as the Child Poverty Reduction Advisory Council and NY Coalition for Child Care.Serve as a liaison and thought partner to senior staff at state agencies within the program area, working collaboratively to strengthen day-to-day operations, support long-term planning, and advance new initiatives.As subject matter expert for the program area, co-create legislative and spending proposals for consideration as part of the Governor's annual State of the State agenda, shepherding development of policy reforms, and preparing briefing materials for the Governor and senior team.Play a lead role in shaping the launch of new Governor priorities and ensuring their ongoing success. For 2025, these include significant proposed investments in New York's children and families, including an expansion of the Child Tax Credit as well as a commitment to realizing universal childcare.Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, consulting expert organizations and individuals and fielding external inquiries as they arise.Works with the program area team in the Division of Budget to support management of multi-billion-dollar human services budgets and participate in budget and legislative negotiations.Consult with Chamber communications and speechwriting teams to advise on press inquiries and announcements, as applicable. Consult with Chamber counsels assigned to the human services and mental hygiene portfolio, as applicable. Consults with non-governmental agencies, organizations, and stakeholder groups within program area.Supports cross-agency projects, data identification, and data analysis. Attend and provide remarks, as appropriate, at meetings, site visits, seminars, conferences, and conventions convened within program area in Albany, around the state, and nationally.Review and authorizes rulemaking and other regulatory actions within program area.Prepare and review the Governor's briefing materials, legislative proposals, budget initiatives, remarks, and other such materials as may be required.Performs related duties as requested.Minimum Qualifications:A bachelor's degree and at least 8 years of full-time, professional experience with a focus on public administration, public policy, social work, social services, or related topics. A master's degree in a related field or Juris Doctor may substitute for one year of this experience. A strong interest and knowledge in children's services, public benefits, housing and homeless services, gender-based violence, and/or disability services is highly desirable.Preferred Skills:Track record of strong analytical, organizational, and project management skillsExcellent written and verbal communication skillsAbility to manage complexity, identify appropriate solutions and insights, and synthesize key findings rapidlyAbility to handle sensitive information with discretion and tactCommitment to public service and improving the lives of New YorkersBroad experience in policy development and operations Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel

Created: 2025-01-26