Deputy Commissioner of Community Engagement and External Relations

NYC Parks is the steward of more than 30,000 acres of land – 14 percent of New York City – including more than 5,000 individual properties ranging from Coney Island Beach and Central Park to community gardens and Greenstreets. We operate more than 800 athletic fields and nearly 1,000 playgrounds, 1,800 basketball courts, 550 tennis courts, 65 public pools, 51 recreational facilities, 15 nature centers, 14 golf courses and 14 miles of beaches. We care for 1,200 monuments and 23 historic house museums. We look after 660,000 street trees, and five million more in parks. We are New York City’s principal providers of recreational and athletic facilities and programs. We are home to free concerts, world-class sports events, and cultural festivals.

Major Responsibilities

- Reporting to the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Community Engagement and External Relations will lead the creative vision and execution of Parks engagement strategy with everyday New Yorkers through various forms.
- Responsible for the direction and operations several units that make up 90+ staff, reflecting a diverse portfolio of engagement expertise, methods and touchpoints. These units include: Parks Borough Commissioners, Citywide Legislative Affairs/Government Relations, Greenthumb/Community Gardens, Strategic Partnerships/Community Outreach/Partnership for Parks, Art and Antiquities (Public Art/Monuments), Correspondence/Petitions. These units, together, advance Parks mission and image in fun and inspiring ways, through private and public fundraising, advocacy, public-private partnerships, legislation/hearings, volunteer engagement, promotion of Parks services, and community affairs and issues.
- The Deputy Commissioner will creatively leverage Parks engagement units and look for new opportunities to connect, manage, and create relationships between NYC Parks and everyday New Yorkers where they are through existing and new mediums and culturally sensitive messaging. Constituents include volunteers, community gardens, non-profits, friends of parks groups, community boards, elected officials, advocacy groups, foundations, corporations, special interest groups, sports and cultural organizations and everyday park users who have yet to engage with NYC Parks etc.
- As the Commissioner’s representative, while upholding the Agency’s voice and messaging, engage with these constituents (and at times the media) to promote Agency’s priorities and seek opportunities to broaden engagement.
- Strategize, prioritize and execute data driven engagement campaigns and resources for the most impact, given existing limited resources. Build on existing Parks engagement approaches to reach New Yorkers where they are, ease their ability to engage with NYC Parks where they haven’t been able to before, and energize broader participation with what Parks has to offer and the Agency’s strategic goals. Tie the knowledge earned through engagement efforts to inform Parks policy and services.
- Collaborate with various divisions at Parks (e.g. Legal, Communications, Budget etc.) and throughout the City (e.g. Mayor’s Office, Law Department) to ensure effective operations and compliance with license agreements with partners and other City/Park regulations and priorities.
- Take on special projects as needed.

Work Location: Arsenal, Manhattan

How to Apply: Go to cityjobs.nyc.gov and search for Job ID# 777844.

All applicants must apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov. The City is no longer using ESS to accept applications.

*Current City Employees please include your ERN on your cover letter and resume.

NOTE: All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. References will be required upon request.

nyc.gov/parks

MOVEMENT IN THE FACE OF CIVIL SERVICE LISTS IS PROHIBITED UNDER CIVIL SERVICE LAW.

For information about applying for Civil Service Exams go to: Civil Service Exams - Department of Citywide Administrative Services (nyc.gov)

DEPUTY COMMISSIONER (PARKS & R - 95861