Senior Policy Advisor to Chief of Staff

About the Department

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 at moving the City towards a smaller jail system without compromising public safety. DOC operates facilities and court commands across the five boroughs with more than 7,500 diverse professionals and knowledgeable experts. DOC is responsible for maintaining a safe and secure environment for employees, visitors, volunteers, and people in our custody, providing them with the tools and opportunities needed to successfully re-enter their communities.

The New York City Department of Correction is seeking to recruit a Senior Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff (COS). Reporting directly to the COS and exercising wide latitude for independent judgment and initiative, the Senior Policy Advisor will provide centralized expertise and strategic counsel on policy issues, working closely with the Public Information, Legislative Affairs, and Labor Relations teams to align agency policy with internal and external messaging.

The Senior Policy Advisor will be a critical member of the team, ensuring that the Commissioner’s vision and mission are realized.

The Senior Policy Advisor will support the planning, coordination, and execution of high‑priority initiatives across the divisions, ensuring that operational and programmatic goals, strategic priorities, and executive directives are advanced and communicated efficiently. Responsibilities include tracking project plans, timelines, and deliverables; assembling and analyzing quantitative and qualitative data; preparing executive‑level presentations, briefing memoranda, reports, and correspondence; developing recommendations to improve agency performance and operational effectiveness;

monitoring the status of critical projects; identifying operational risks or barriers; and recommending corrective actions to executive leadership.

The ideal candidate is highly organized, analytically strong, and highly flexible with a “can do” professional approach. Competitive candidates will have exceptional writing, presentation, and project‑management skills, capable of operating effectively in a fast‑paced executive environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple priorities, track deliverables, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including preparation of briefings, reports, talking points, and executive correspondence.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with staff at all levels and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to gather, interpret, and present data to support decision‑making and operational improvements.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience supporting large, complex operational initiatives involving multiple divisions or agencies; public sector or correctional experience preferred.
• Self‑starter with a practical, can‑do approach, strong initiative, and willingness to solve problems as they arise.
• Professional demeanor, good sense of humor, and the ability to work well in a high‑pressure executive environment.

The salary will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and experience. This position is based on an on‑site work model and requires on‑site presence.

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full‑time experience in corrections, social work, psychology, law, public administration, law enforcement, or a related field providing direct services to an inmate or detention population within a correctional or related facility, with at least one (1) year in a responsible supervisory, administrative, or consultative capacity; or
• A high school diploma or equivalent and six (6) years of full‑time experience as described above; or
• Educatio…