City Of New York

Executive Director, Office of Suicide Prevention

City Of New York$125K — $150K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in environmental, biological, or public health sciences required; Doctorate preferred for higher levels.
  • 5-7 years of experience in public health or related field; supervisory experience essential.
  • Expertise in overseeing research, surveillance, and evaluation functions.
  • Strong organizational and budget management experience is necessary.
  • Proven ability to translate complex research into actionable policy and strategies.

Responsibilities

  • Lead development and execution of citywide suicide prevention strategies.
  • Supervise office operations, staffing, and funding initiatives.
  • Ensure effective collaboration with interagency and community partners.
  • Set performance measures for population-level suicide prevention efforts.
  • Guide comprehensive epidemiological research and surveillance methodologies.

Benefits

  • City employees benefit from a premium-free health insurance plan saving over $10K annually.
  • Eligibility for federal/state loan forgiveness programs available for City employees.
  • Public sector defined benefit pension plan offering steady payments in retirement.
  • Opportunities for remote work up to two days a week based on position.
  • Comprehensive Worksite Wellness Program to support employee health and wellbeing.
Full Job Description
DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO: Strategic and Executive Leadership - Lead development and implementation of a citywide suicide prevention strategy and establish citywide priorities for the Office. - Direct the Office's operations, staffing, budget, performance, and organizational development. - Supervise senior leadership and ensure effective coordination across the Office's strategic, research, surveillance, partnership, and prevention functions. - Establish goals, performance measures, and accountability mechanisms to advance population-level suicide prevention. - Ensure the Office operates in close collaboration with critical interagency partners that hold specific expertise and responsibilities related to monitoring and addressing population-level suicide and injury/violence prevention trends (e.g., Office of Vital Statistics and Division of Environmental Health). Research, Surveillance, and Scientific Strategy In close collaboration with Departmental epidemiological leaders and subject matter experts in suicide and injury/violence prevention: - Provide executive oversight of the Office's epidemiologic, surveillance, research, and evaluation functions and infrastructure. - Set research and data priorities in alignment with Divisional goals, citywide suicide prevention planning, and emerging public health needs. - Guide the development and use of a comprehensive suicide surveillance strategy, research initiatives, data resources, and evaluation activities. - Ensure that emerging disparities, geographic patterns, clusters, and populations experiencing elevated suicide risk are identified and addressed. - Lead coordination with divisional bureaus and cross-agency partners, academic institutions, healthcare systems, and other stakeholders to advance large-scale research and prevention initiatives. - Ensure research and surveillance findings are translated into actionable recommendations for policy, programs, and systems improvement. Policy and Government Relations In close collaboration with Departmental policy leaders, subject matter experts, and Departmental External Affairs: - Advise Divisional leadership on suicide prevention policy, legislation, regulation, and emerging issues. - Advance policy recommendations informed by research, surveillance, and public health priorities. - In collaboration with External Affairs, coordinate with City agencies, elected officials, and state and federal partners on shared priorities; represent the Department in governmental and interagency forums related to suicide prevention. Cross-Sector Leadership and Partnerships - Lead a coordinated, citywide approach to suicide prevention across healthcare, behavioral health, public safety, education, housing, planning, philanthropy, academia, and community sectors. - Coordinate collaborative research initiatives addressing priority questions identified through surveillance. - Establish and maintain strategic partnerships that advance coordinated suicide prevention priorities. - Align public and private investments and facilitate shared accountability across participating sectors. - Promote integration of suicide prevention into systems and policies beyond the traditional behavioral health sector. Resource Development and Accountability - Develop strategies to sustain and expand resources supporting the Office's priorities. - Oversee strategic funding initiatives, grant development, and partnership agreements. - Monitor implementation of the City's suicide prevention strategy and report on progress, emerging trends, and strategic priorities to Department leadership. - Promote effective and coordinated use of public and private resources. PREFERRED SKILLS: - Advanced training or professional experience in public health, epidemiology, suicide prevention, injury prevention, behavioral health, population health, or a related field. - Senior-level experience guiding research, surveillance, data, or evaluation functions within a public health, healthcare, academic, or government setting. - Experience leading complex, multidisciplinary initiatives involving government, academic, healthcare, community, and other external partners. - Experience managing organizational operations, budgets, funding, and senior staff. - Demonstrated ability to translate scientific evidence and population health data into policy, strategy, and large-scale prevention planning. - Experience representing an organization in executive, governmental, academic, or public-facing settings. - 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. CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744 Qualifications 1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health. To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have: 1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or 2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above. NOTE: Probationary Period Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

About City Of New York

The City of New York is the most iconic and dynamic city on the planet. With a population of more than 8.4 million people, New York is not only the largest city in the United States — it is the academic, cultural, commercial, and financial capital of the world. City government is filled with opportunities for talented individuals seeking to improve their communities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of their fellow New Yorkers. Every day, the City’s more than 300,000 employees improve infrastructure, provide vital social services, build technology, protect health and safety, and so much more.

City of New York Careers

There has never been a better time to explore the diverse job opportunities at the City of New York—the hub of professional growth and innovation in the public sector.

Work You’ll Do

Join the City of New York’s dynamic team to contribute to the community and enhance the city’s services across a broad spectrum of disciplines. The City of New York offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that impacts the lives of millions while navigating through a career filled with learning and growth. Transform the metropolitan landscape and enrich the lives of its residents with the best minds in public administration, urban planning, and community services. The City of New York stands at the forefront of urban management and innovation. Lead with a unique position in public service, at the intersection of technology, community needs, and sustainable development. Work alongside a diverse team of professionals dedicated to improving city operations and enhancing the quality of urban life. Collaborate with the largest network of public service experts in the nation, fostering leadership, diversity training, and professional development.

Introducing the City of New York Public Service Careers

The team is building a market-leading public service career path to help professionals master their roles and contribute effectively to the city’s development.

Do Innovative Work

Join a vast network of experts—dedicated professionals at the intersection of governance, community service, and urban innovation.

Drive Change in Public Service

Deliver targeted solutions and policies that enhance city living and maintain New York as a leading global city through a depth and breadth of expertise that’s second to none.

Be Part of a Great Team

Engage in a wide range of city projects utilizing cutting-edge technology and strategies, harnessing the unparalleled capabilities, scale, and collaborative spirit of a dedicated public service team.

Future-proof Your Career

Advance your career with limitless opportunities in the public sector, supported by unmatched training, development programs, and certification support.

Explore

From improving city infrastructure to enhancing public safety, the City of New York offers a platform for professionals to apply their skills, innovate, and lead.

The City of New York Public Service Initiative

The combined efforts of various departments help overcome urban challenges and lead transformation in city management. Professionals around the globe look to the City of New York for new strategies and solutions to drive significant change and growth in urban living. ## Stay Connected

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. The City of New York looks for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. SEARCH CITY OF NEW YORK JOBS

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who serve here.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover what exciting and rewarding opportunities await in the City of New York.
Learn more about City Of New York

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at City Of New York

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Executive Director, Office of Suicide Prevention jobs: