Executive Director, Strategic Affairs

The Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) leverages technology to drive opportunity, improve public safety, and help government run better across New York City. OTI works on projects such as affordable broadband, cybersecurity, and digital government services, playing a key role in how the city delivers for New Yorkers in the 21st century.

Reporting to the Chief Privacy Officer for the City of New York, the Executive Director for Strategic Affairs leads the strategic initiatives of the Chief Privacy Officer across domains of legal services, legislative matters, program management, external partnerships, and training. This executive position is an ideal role for a seasoned privacy legal professional who thrives at the intersection of policy, law, technology, and government leadership.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Chief Privacy Officer on strategic priorities, political engagement, external messaging, emerging technologies, and the advancement of the Office of Information Privacy.
• Manage priority projects and initiatives as directed by the Chief Privacy Officer.
• Lead training initiatives, external partnerships, and new initiatives in emerging policy areas, including supervision of staff engaged in cross‑functional projects.
• Monitor privacy news, developments, and best practices, including legislative tracking at the federal, state, and local level.
• Represent the Chief Privacy Officer on intergovernmental and external engagements, including national and international privacy‑related coalitions.
• Prepare and deliver public testimony and regulatory comments on behalf of the Chief Privacy Officer.
• Assume associated duties relating to strategic affairs and ensure continuity of operations in the absence of the Chief Privacy Officer.
• Oversee special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Admission to the New York State Bar and four years of recent full‑time responsible, relevant, satisfactory legal experience after admission to any bar, including at least eighteen months in the supervision of other attorneys in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity, or performing highly complex and significant legal work.

Incumbents must remain members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of employment.

Preferred Skills

• 12 years of experience in privacy, data protection, or information governance, ideally within government, a regulatory body, or a highly regulated industry.
• Proven ability to function effectively as an executive leader operating with independence and delivering results.
• Deep expertise in governmental affairs and legislative processes, including a proven track record managing legislative engagements with elected officials and preparing and delivering public testimony.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to tailor presentation of complex topics to diverse audiences.
• Strong ability to work in multidisciplinary teams, managing and prioritizing projects in dynamic, high‑pressure environments.
• Creative problem‑solving skills to help stakeholders meet operational needs while protecting privacy.
• Ability to analyze and translate complex legal and policy concepts into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
• Experience drafting privacy‑related policies and agreements governing the collection, retention, and disclosure of identifying information.
• Ability to navigate complex bureaucracies, build consensus, and adapt to evolving priorities.
• CIPP‑US or equivalent privacy certification.

OTI participates in E‑Verify.

Residency Requirement: New York City residency is not required for this position.

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 characteristic.

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