Deputy Director of Surveillance, Division Management & Systems Coordination

The Surveillance Unit within the Bureau of Division Management and Systems Coordination (DMSC) at the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene coordinates with disease surveillance programs, the Division of Information Technology, and external partners to maintain, enhance, and implement surveillance system applications. These efforts support complete, timely, and equitable case detection and health information exchange while ensuring data confidentiality, data quality, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

Monitor, manage, and identify critical improvements for a portfolio of surveillance system applications (EDRI, PRISM, ECLRS, Maven, syndromic surveillance, eCR) and escalate needs to the Director of Surveillance; Investigate, troubleshoot, and coordinate resolution of surveillance system issues with ECLRS, eCR, DIT and DIS programs; Build and maintain partnerships with DIS surveillance programs through monthly meetings; Conduct research on emerging surveillance methodologies, technologies, and best practices and provide evidence-based recommendations; Perform research and analysis on surveillance data trends and system performance to detect gaps and support strategic planning; Develop bi-weekly and monthly Surveillance Unit reports; Coordinate with DIS programs to ensure consistent high-quality surveillance data flow, assess data quality, define business requirements, plan projects, and develop use/test cases and user acceptance testing; Coordinate with DIT and DIS to implement new systems and enhance or replace existing ones; Develop and maintain provider communication regarding system changes and reporting instructions; Participate in the Data Alignment Task Force on standards for race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity data; Lead implementation of the Worker Connect API integration, including data use agreements and secure data exchange; Plan and design emergency preparedness and response dashboards for senior leadership; Support development of a centralized repository for hospital contact information; Identify, prioritize, document, and refine operational processes across Surveillance Unit teams; Other duties as assigned, including assisting with public health emergency responses

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental, or social science, or in public health (Assignment Level I requires a master's in physical, biological, environmental science, or public health); for Assignment Level II and above: a doctorate with one year of full-time supervisory, administrative, or research experience in the field, or a master's with three years of responsible full-time research experience, or equivalent education/experience (all candidates must have at least a master's degree and at least two years of qualifying experience); subject to a minimum one-year probationary period

Nice to have

Experience conducting data quality assurance, preparing reports, troubleshooting data issues, and providing feedback; Proficiency in navigating computer systems; Demonstrated proficiency in REDCap, including instrument development, data management, access control, reporting, and troubleshooting; Ability to work well within a diverse team and foster relationships with colleagues and partners; Highly organized, able to manage multiple simultaneous projects with competing priorities; Experience with stakeholder engagement and project management; Excellent communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills; Strong analytical skills and ability to manage and report complex information; Experience with data collection, analysis and interpretation; Desire to grow professionally, develop new skills, and willingness to work outside comfort zone; Experience working with the public health sector and coordinating projects involving multiple stakeholders; Ability to prioritize and work in a fast-paced environment with hard deadlines; Fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Benefits

Loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs (federal/state) may be available; Premium-free health insurance plan; Additional health, fitness, and financial benefits based on union/benefit fund; Public sector defined benefit pension plan; Tax-deferred savings program; Worksite Wellness Program; Work from home up to two days per week depending on position; Job security