City of New York

Job Description

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is an integral part of the City’s evolving criminal justice system, participating in reform initiatives and strategies aimed to move the city towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. The DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for our employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody. Importantly, safe jails enable DOC to provide people in custody with the tools and opportunities they need to successfully re-enter their communities. The DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts.

The DOC has a unique career opportunity for an experienced Executive Director in the Strategic Initiatives Unit. Strategic Initiatives was established to oversee priority operations to support strategic programs, reforms and measure performance for greater progress and accountability. Strategic Initiatives additionally identifies and leads large-scale innovative projects and reform initiatives in support of the Department’s mission, including the Borough-Based Jails (BBJ) project. In particular, the BBJ team is responsible for representing DOC’s interests in the unprecedented design and construction of multiple borough-based jail facilities in New York City and the transition planning logistics and policy development for these new facilities. The Executive Director of Borough-Based Jails will play a key leadership role in the planning and implementation of large-scale initiatives, including the BBJ project, as well as strategy and cross-team communication. The candidate will serve as the primary liaison with the NYC Department of Design and Construction as well as their contracted vendors on interrelated projects, ensuring high levels of internal coordination with respect to the BBJS and that significant departmental policies and operational initiatives are implemented in coordination with, and informed by the BBJS. The selected candidate’s responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to the following:

• Oversee the construction of four new correctional facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn,

Queens, and the Bronx.

• Lead a growing team of experienced project managers, coordinators, construction specialists,

and other staff;

• Manage and supervise large-scale capital construction projects, particularly the design and

construction of multiple borough-based jail facilities.

• Coordinate with partner agencies, design-build teams, and stakeholders to ensure project

goals are met.

• Review and approve complex trade work, including lighting, power, security systems, HVAC

control systems, fire alarms, and electrical systems.

• Monitor project schedules, track progress, and ensure timely completion of all construction

phases.

• Represent the Department of Correction in construction and engineering meetings with

contractors, service delivery, regulatory, community meetings and oversight agencies.

• Identify and resolve problems with installations or quality, preparing relevant reports and

documentation.

• Ensure compliance with minimum standards for care, custody, correction, treatment, and

supervision, of all persons held in NYC correctional facilities.

• Collaborate with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC) and other city agencies to

implement the Borough-Based Jails Program.

• Develop expertise in jail operations and correctional best practices to inform construction and

programmatic decisions.

• Oversee site preparation, including environmental testing and infrastructure work.
• Ensure that new facilities are designed to support the goals of the Department of Correction.
• Perform special projects and other related duties as assigned.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS - 60879

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree issued after completion of a four-year course in an accredited college

or university, and three (3) years of satisfactory, full-time, responsible experience in public

relations or journalism; or

2. A satisfactory equivalent.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.