Director, Registration Unit, Bureau of Vital Statistics

The Bureau of Vital Statistics registers and certifies all births, deaths, and terminations of pregnancy in New York City, reporting on more than 285,000 vital events annually. The Bureau also manages a large-scale customer service operation, including 24/7 death certification services, issuance of over 900,000 certified copies of vital records, and fulfillment of hundreds of data requests each year. Under the direction of the Senior Director of the Office of Vital Records, and with a wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, the Director of Birth and Death Registration is responsible for the overall administration and management of the Registration Unit within the Bureau of Vital Statistics.

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the registration of births and deaths in New York City, ensuring compliance with City Health Code, State, and Federal regulations. The Director will lead a team responsible for processing and validating large volumes of vital event data, ensuring accurate registration, verification of documentation, and timely issuance of official records. The role oversees daily operations by setting performance benchmarks, monitoring productivity and quality indicators, and implementing quality assurance protocols. The Director ensures compliance with statutory requirements while safeguarding data integrity, driving efficiency, and maintaining high standards of accuracy and service delivery.

DUTIES WILL INCLUDE BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO:
- Direct and manage the daily operations of the Birth and Death Registration Unit, applying research and analytic methods to ensure accurate and timely registration of vital events through evidence-based practices, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and alignment with Bureau goals.
- Direct the collection, analysis, and validation of birth and death data to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with coding and reporting standards.
- Supervise Deputy Director, Office Managers, and administrative staff directly, and oversee Supervisors, Case Navigators, and clerical support staff indirectly; establish performance standards, analyze workforce data to guide coaching and personnel actions, and foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Review, validate, and interpret statistical reports and operational data to ensure accuracy, quality control, and compliance with agency policies; use findings to identify trends, develop research-informed strategies, and guide operational and policy improvements.
- Lead training and professional development initiatives informed by research, performance analytics, and new scientific or technological advances; evaluate training outcomes using measurable indicators and adapt programs to enhance staff competencies.
- Serve as liaison to other agencies, hospitals, funeral directors, and public officials, applying data-driven insights to strengthen coordination, streamline procedures, and promote effective service delivery and compliance.
- Analyze complex or atypical registration cases and related workflows using quantitative and qualitative data (e.g., turnaround times, error rates, compliance trends); synthesize findings to guide policy decisions, procedural improvements, and operational efficiency within the Registration Unit.
- Represent the Senior Director at meetings and conduct regular unit staff meetings to communicate goals, research findings, program changes, and operational updates.
- Lead modernization efforts in registration processes, including the implementation of digital platforms, electronic workflows, and automated quality checks.
- Monitor the performance of automated systems and the electronic registration platform (eVital); analyze system data to assess efficiency, detect anomalies, and recommend evidence-based enhancements and technology upgrades.
- Evaluate workflows, staffing levels, and turnaround times using operational and statistical data; conduct analyses to identify bottlenecks, model scenarios, and implement data-informed process improvements to meet or exceed service targets.
- Enforce compliance with NYC Health and Administrative codes governing the registration of vital events; track and analyze compliance data to detect gaps, support audits, and ensure adherence to legal standards.
- Ensure strict adherence to security protocols for financial transactions and use of secure certificate paper; apply data monitoring and forensic analysis to detect irregularities, assess risk, and strengthen safeguards.

PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Demonstrated leadership and managerial experience in health services or public health administration.
- Proven ability to analyze operations, streamline workflows, and drive process improvements.
- Strong knowledge of NYC Health and Administrative codes and relevant regulations.
- Familiarity with electronic vital events registration systems and related technology.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to foster teamwork, motivate staff, and manage competing priorities in a high-volume environment.

Why you should work for us:

- Loan Forgiveness: As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal/state loan forgiveness and repayment assistance programs that lessen your payments or even fully forgive your full balance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website (https://studentaid.gov/pslf/)
- Benefits: City employees are entitled to unmatched benefits such as:
o a premium-free health insurance plan that saves employees over $10K annually, per a 2024 assessment.
o additional health, fitness, and financial benefits may be available based on the position’s associated union/benefit fund.
o a public sector defined benefit pension plan with steady monthly payments in retirement.
o a tax-deferred savings program and
o a robust Worksite Wellness Program that offers resources and opportunities to keep you healthy while serving New Yorkers.
- Work From Home Policy: Depending on your position, you may be able to work up to two days during the week from home.
- Job Security - you could enjoy more job security compared to private sector employment and be able to contribute to making NYC a healthy place to live and work.

Established in 1805, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC Health Department) is the oldest and largest health department in the U.S., dedicated to protecting and improving the health of NYC. Our mission is to safeguard the health of every resident and cultivate a city where everyone, regardless of age, background, or location, can achieve their optimal health. We provide a wide array of programs and services focused on food and nutrition, anti-tobacco support, chronic disease prevention, HIV/AIDS treatment, family and child health, environmental health, mental health, and social justice initiatives. As the primary population health strategist and policy authority for NYC, with a rich history of public health initiatives and scientific advancements, from addressing the 1822 yellow fever outbreak to the COVID-19 pandemic, we serve as a global leader in public health innovation and expertise.

Come join us and help to continue our efforts in making a difference in the lives of all New Yorkers!

The NYC Health Department is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation to all individuals. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Sye-Eun Ahn, Director of the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, at [email protected] or 347-396-6549.

CITY RESEARCH SCIENTIST - 21744

1. For Assignment Level I (only physical, biological and environmental sciences and public health) A master's degree from an accredited college or university with a specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological or environmental science or in public health.
To be appointed to Assignment Level II and above, candidates must have:
1. A doctorate degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and one year of full-time experience in a responsible supervisory, administrative or research capacity in the appropriate field of specialization; or
2. A master's degree from an accredited college or university with specialization in an appropriate field of physical, biological, environmental or social science and three years of responsible full-time research experience in the appropriate field of specialization; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least a master's degree in an appropriate field of specialization and at least two years of experience described in "2" above. Two years as a City Research Scientist Level I can be substituted for the experience required in "1" and "2" above.

NOTE:
Probationary Period
Appointments to this position are subject to a minimum probationary period of one year.

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.