Deputy Commissioner, and Refugee Services

Deputy Commissioner, Housing and Refugee Services Announcement Posted: 2/19/2026 Responses must be hand delivered or postmarked by: 3/20/2026 Salary Range:

$156,757 - $197,170

40 North Pearl Street

Albany, NY 12243

NS (Equated to M-6, Management/Confidential)

1

Candidates Must Meet the Following

Qualifications:

The candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree and have nine years (9) of relevant experience within human services management (either government and/or not-for-profit entities).

* Substitutions:
Four (4) years of additional relevant specialized experience OR associate degree and two years of additional relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor’s degree. J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of relevant experience.

Preferred experience includes:

• At least four (4) years of experience in a managerial capacity
• At least four (4) years of overseeing contracts with governmental organizations and/or not-for-profit entities
• Experience managing many staff in a manner that promotes quality outcomes and a positive work environment
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse portfolio and to lead teams in a manner that results in the timely delivery of quality services
• Ability to obtain and analyze information from various sources and make appropriate decisions
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written
• Demonstrated experience in working collaboratively across systems to achieve client-focused outcomes
• Substantial experience in overseeing/administering housing programs for low-income households and those experiencing homelessness
• Knowledge of federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and policies, as well as HUD’s Continuum of Care model and service coordination requirements
• Familiarity with federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) programs and policies

Reporting to the Commissioner for the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA), the incumbent will learn to direct all matters of policy and management of the Bureau of Housing and Support Services and the Bureau of Refugee Services. The incumbent will serve as the principal advisor regarding programs and initiatives related to housing and services for people experiencing homelessness and services for refugees, among other duties.

The Division has a staff of approximately 70 and oversees over 950 contracts.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide organizational leadership to ensure successful implementation of OTDA’s oversight role regarding homeless and refugee services by districts and OTDA contractors, as well as OTDA’s related direct services functions. Responsible for ensuring the Division’s work products are of high quality and completed in a timely manner.
• Establish goals and objectives for each Bureau, regularly assessing programs, and making course corrections as needed.
• Keep the Commissioner’s Office informed of critical deadlines, work of the Division and emerging issues.
• Develop and implement recommendations for policies and program initiatives to increase access to housing and assist formerly homeless persons in achieving and maintaining housing stability.
• Develop and implement recommendations to assist refugees and those of a similar immigration status in acquiring the resources and skills needed to become fully integrated into local communities within New York State.
• Develop and implement procedures and services to identify and support victims of human trafficking.
• Implement, and develop as needed, procedures for staff training, program review and evaluations, program audits, and correspondence and assignment tracking.
• Support and assist program managers with program oversight, staff supervision and staff development.
• Assist in establishing internal controls and regularly evaluate compliance.
• Provide oversight for program management to develop procurements, make funding decisions, develop contracts with not-for-profit agencies and local social services districts, and provide contract monitoring and management.
• Provide guidance to the Homeless Housing and Assistance Program (HHAP) in its procurement, funding determinations, and…