Special Assistant

Department of Correction; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid annual leave

Pension plan

Flexible spending account

Job summary

The New York City Department of Correction (DOC) is seeking a dynamic Special Assistant to provide administrative support to the Deputy Commissioner of Policy & Strategy.

The assistant will support the Deputy Commissioner by coordinating projects and special assignments, requiring strong organizational skills, discretion, and effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the executive’s priorities and objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in community work or related duties; or high school graduation and six years of related experience; or education/experience equivalent to (1) or (2) with at least one year of experience as in (1).
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for multi‑tasking and stakeholder coordination.
• Experience coordinating projects and working with multiple departments or agencies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑level administrative and operational support to the Deputy Commissioner.
• Work on assignments and conduct research on projects and tasks, including in the facilities.
• Manage sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion.
• Manage scheduling for the Deputy Commissioner, and coordinate with external stakeholders.
• Schedule meetings and ensure all preparations are made before the meeting time.
• Prep the deputy commissioner and ensure materials are printed and ready for all participating parties.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings as needed.
• Provide support and track all division purchase orders.
• Support with conducting research and preparing memos as needed.
• Assist with organizing and maintaining materials associated with various Projects.
• Maintain notes and agendas during staff/project meetings.
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with agency personnel.
• Initiate and maintain departmental filing, photocopying, and ordering supplies.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Skills

Organizational skills

Discretion

Strong communication

Project coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

High school diploma

Equivalent education/experience

Tools

Office software

Project management tools

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.

DOC is looking for a dynamic Special Assistant to provide administrative support to the Deputy Commissioner of Policy & Strategy. The assistant will support the Deputy Commissioner by coordinating projects and special assignments. This role demands strong organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate the executive’s priorities and objectives.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Deputy Commissioner;
• Work on assignments and conduct research on projects and tasks, including in the facilities;
• Manage sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion;
• Manage scheduling for the Deputy Commissioner, and coordinate with external stakeholders;
• Schedule meetings and ensure all preparations are made before the meeting time;
• Prep the deputy commissioner and ensure materials are printed and ready for all participating parties;
• Participate in stakeholder meetings as needed;
• Provide support and track all division purchase orders;
• Support with conducting research and preparing memos as needed;
• Assist with organizing and maintaining materials associated with various Projects;
• Maintain notes and agendas during staff/project meetings;
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with agency personnel;
• Initiate and maintain departmental filing, photocopying, and ordering supplies;
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

CONFIDENTIAL AGENCY INVESTIGAT - 31142

Minimum Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or 2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

Additional Information

The City of New York offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance for the employee and his/her spouse or domestic partner and unemancipated children under age 26, union benefits such as dental and vision coverage, paid annual leave and sick leave, paid holidays, a pension, and optional savings and pre-tax programs such as Deferred Compensation, IRA, and a flexible spending account.

Preferred Skills

• Self-motivated with strong ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities adept at managingmultiple priorities.
• Proficient in office and project management with experience coordinating acrossteams and departments.
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County.

To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

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.