Description:
- The Office of Food Policy is a Mayoral Office that works to advance the City’s efforts to increase food security, promote access to and consumption of healthy foods, and support economic opportunity and environmental sustainability in the food system.
- The Office has a critical role to play integrating an equity frame into food policy priorities and solutions.
- Providing guidance to the Mayor, Deputy Mayors, and agencies within and beyond the Health and Human Services portfolio regarding food policy positions and legislation;
- Leading the development and driving successful delivery of cross-agency initiatives that continue to place New York City on the cutting edge of food policy;
- Advising and coordinating City agencies and Mayoral offices, within and beyond the Health and Human Services portfolio, to ensure a systems approach to food policy initiatives;
- Creating partnerships with advocates, nonprofit and community organizations, academic institutions, and private industry to further carry out its mission.
- The Director will shape and deliver on the goals of the Office of Food Policy. The Director will play an important role sharpening the strategy and maximizing the impact of the Office. This is an exciting opportunity for a leader to take immediate action and think in bold and new ways about how to deliver on identified priorities and to integrate their insights on new solutions. The Director will report to the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services and will collaborate with other Deputy Mayors, City agencies, and Mayoral offices to advance the work of the Office. The Director will also:
- Deliver Innovative Policy and Programmatic Initiatives. The Director will partner with internal and external stakeholders to establish a plan for the Office within the first 90 days of their tenure and begin taking action to implement identified priorities. The Director will develop and manage relationships with City agencies and offices to collaborate on policy and programmatic solutions and to advise on their implementation. They will work to ensure food policy is integrated into a broader set of City initiatives.
- Cultivate External Partnerships. The Director will develop partnerships with external organizations with a focus on cross-sector initiatives that amplify and advance the City’s food policy goals. These organizations may include academic institutions, philanthropic funders, technology and business partners, and community leaders.
- Provide Knowledge and Insight. The Director will play an important role acting as a champion for food policy and associated initiatives occurring through City government. They will speak on behalf of the Mayor’s office and staff the Deputy Mayor to speak on issues of food policy at local, national, and international events, conferences, and expert convenings. The Director will engage experts, practitioners, and community leaders on key topics to facilitate idea sharing and advance New York City as a leader in food policy solutions.
- Oversee Research and Measurement. The Director will be responsible for coordinating data analysis and reporting on City performance related to food policy including the delivery of the annual Food Metrics Report. Collaborating with research partners, including the Center for Innovation through Data Intelligence and the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, they will advise on research to advance understanding and identify solutions that work to advance the priorities of the Office and citywide food policy initiatives.
- A baccalaureate degree and five (5) years of full-time experience at the executive level in a large governmental agency, business firm, civic or community organization; or
- Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have at least one (1) year specialized experience as described in "1" above.
- A combination of a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, food policy, public health, business, law, community development and social justice, urban planning, agriculture or a related field and 10+ years of related work experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience which exhibits the ability to perform satisfactorily in the position.
- Strong experience working in food policy domains including food access, food and economic insecurity, food equity and justice, sustainability, supply chain and food system stability, and social determinants of health. Experience developing systems level solutions a plus.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity.
- Knowledge of local, regional, and national food systems policy and legislative issues, including developing recommendations for related programs.
- Experience with state and city government processes, including regulations, legislation and community engagement. Understanding of New York City government and City agencies a plus.
- Experience developing and managing cross-sector partnerships, including with funders.
- Experience managing complex projects with demonstrated effectiveness on time and on budget.
- Demonstrated ability to provide leadership, guidance, and advisory support to interdepartmental teams.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills sufficient to advise, negotiate, and consult with executive level management and to effectively prepare and present reports/findings to a variety of audiences.
- Knowledge and experience leveraging technology and design thinking to develop solutions that support food policy solutions a plus.