Director Of Data Science And Innovation

The Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) is the largest Fire Department in the United States and universally is recognized as the world's busiest and most highly skilled emergency response agency. The Department's main goal is to provide fire protection, emergency medical care, and other critical public safety services to residents and visitors in the five boroughs.

FDNY members are sworn to serve and protect life and property and the Department works to continually educate the public in fire, life safety and disaster preparedness, along with enforcing public safety codes. Since its inception in 1865, FDNY has helped lead efforts to make New York the safest big city in the nation. This accomplishment requires a steadfast and daily commitment to maintaining the Department's core values.

The FDNY Bureau of Management Analysis and Planning (MAP) is headed by an Assistant Commissioner and reports to the Fire Commissioner. MAP's core responsibilities include measuring, tracking and analyzing the Department's strategic objectives, day-to-day operations and emergency responses to protect lives and property. Within MAP, the Analytics team fulfills two primary functions: 1) Operations research to improve decision-making using big data and advanced analytical methods, including machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, optimization algorithms, simulation and statistical analyses. 2) Reporting to end users by ensuring data quality, reviewing metrics for internal and external reports, creating dashboards and completing ad-hoc data requests.

The Fire Department, City of New York (FDNY), seeks a full-time Executive Program Specialist in the Bureau of Management Analysis and Planning. Reporting directly to the Assistant Commissioner of Management Analysis and Planning, with wide latitude for independent initiative and judgment, the Director of Data Science and Innovation will assist senior leadership in making evidence-based decisions.

Primary responsibilities include leading a team of analysts who provide comprehensive operations research and quantitative analytical services to stakeholders. The Director will provide data management expertise and guidance on how to best utilize key department datasets for metrics; develop analyses and data visualizations; implement data hygiene and quality assurance strategies for agency data. Additional responsibilities include being the agency point of contact for the Open Data initiative in accordance with the NYC Open Data Law, responding to mayoral reporting requirements and serving as an expert facilitator of overall algorithmic, data and metric quality to internal and external stakeholders.

Daily functions include planning, managing, executing and reporting on analytics projects regarding the Department's operations. Providing quantitative input on innovative policy approaches to improve performance. Supervising analysts conducting advanced statistical analyses including simulation and optimization modeling, predictive analytics and other statistical methods.

Developing state-of-the-art data visualizations. Articulating predictive algorithms for improving agency performance. Instituting technical documentation, model validation processes and data and coding best practices.

Ensuring adherence to best practices regarding confidential reporting, the protection of PII and data encryption. Representing the Department in analytics discussions with the Mayor's Office and City Council.

Preferred Skills

Candidate must be an excellent communicator, team player and exhibit a willingness to learn and work well in diverse teams. Management experience and strong people skills with a focus on customer service.

Excellent at communicating findings and providing pragmatic analytical solutions. Advanced degree in Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science, Management Science, or a related field that includes research methods and statistical analysis. Demonstrated ability in programming and logic a good understanding of data requirements relating to application design.

Expert ability in operations research and statistical methods and techniques, including deployment analysis and resource allocation modeling, systems/operations analysis, simulation and optimization (linear and nonlinear, predictive analytics (e.g. deep learning, econometrics, time series/forecasting, vehicle routing, and related skills. Experience conducting high-level quantitative research/and mathematical modeling. Expertise in statistical/stimulation/optimization packages such as C#, Python, R, SAS, and STATA. Providing expert judgment in the use and incorporation of analytics, including being well-versed in the analytics industry, best practices, literature, Operations Research, and Emergency Response and Deployment analytics.

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.