Review Vacancy
AgencyParks, Recreation & Historic Preservation, Office of
Occupational CategoryAdministrative or General Management
Bargaining UnitM/C - Managerial/Confidential (Unrepresented)
Salary RangeFrom $127507 to $160911 Annually
Duties Description The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which were visited by 88.3 million people in 2024. The mission of the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is to provide safe and enjoyable recreational and interpretive opportunities for all New York State residents and visitors and to be responsible stewards of our valuable natural, historic and cultural resources.
Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Finance and Administration, the Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) will lead OPRHP’s efforts to embed Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) into its culture, policies, and practices. The CDO will serve as a change agent and strategic advisor, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse communities that OPRHP serves.
In addition, the Chief Diversity Officer will:
• Champion and implement the agency’s DEIA Strategic Plan.
• Advise leadership on DEIA-related policy, compliance and cultural transformation.
• Lead initiatives that promote inclusive hiring, retention, and advancement practices.
• Oversee and develop employee resource groups, mentorship programs and DEIA training.
• Serve as a senior advisor to executive leadership on embedding equity-centered practices in budgeting, hiring, procurement, capital planning and resource allocation.
• Collaborate with Executive Staff to integrate equity impact assessments into grantmaking and capital investment decisions.
• Monitor and report on the distribution of funding to ensure transparency and alignment with DEIA goals.
• Partner with Regional Park Directors and community organizations to create culturally responsive programming that reflects the diversity of New York’s residents.
• Partner with Executive Staff to ensure that interpretive and educational programs reflect inclusive narratives including Indigenous history, environmental justice, and the contributions of marginalized communities.
• Expand initiatives like “Connect Kids to Parks” and “Connect Kids to Swimming” to include multilingual outreach, adaptive recreation and intergenerational programming.
• Develop and maintain equity dashboards to track progress of DEIA goals across hiring, contracting, programming and public access.
• Facilitate community listening and stakeholder advisory groups to inform policy and program design.
• Publish regular DEIA impact reports that highlight successes, challenges and future commitments.
• Assist the Commissioner, Executive Deputy Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners, and other staff in developing, preparing, and coordinating internal and external communications, metrics, reports, or other projects, as directed.
Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and seven years of relevant experience. Substitutions: four years of specialized experience or associate’s degree and two years of specialized experience may substitute for bachelor’s degree; J.D. or master’s degree may substitute for one year of specialized experience; Ph.D. may substitute for two years of specialized experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Cultural Studies, Public Administration, Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field is preferred.
New York State government experience with progressively responsible experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) leadership, cultural change or policy development.
Excellent organizational, administrative, and communications skills, both oral and written; experience in the management and oversight of daily operations and staff, with demonstrated leadership skills, such as the ability to mentor and motivate and the ability to work with and build consensus among multiple stakeholders. Deep knowledge of DEIA principles, organizational change and inclusive leadership.
Demonstrated success in implementing DEIA strategies within public, non-profit, or large organizational settings.
Additional Comments Salary within the posted range will be commensurate with experience. This is an appointment to a position in the exempt jurisdictional class. All exempt appointments require completion of a background check prior to appointment, and completion of an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Incumbents serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority, and the employment relationship can be altered at any time by either party.
The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation offers a generous benefits package that includes but is not limited to:
Paid Time Off:
• M/C: 39 days - 13 Vacation days, 8 Sick days, and 5 Personal Leave days, 13 Holidays.
• M/C: Eligible for professional leave to participate in professional development, but at the supervisor’s discretion.
Health Care Benefits:
• Eligible employees and dependents can pick from a variety of affordable health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.
Additional Benefits:
• New York State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS) Membership
• NYS Deferred Compensation
• Access to NY 529 and NY ABLE College Savings Programs, as well as U.S. Savings Bonds
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Paid Parental / Family Leave
To learn more about our benefits, visit: https://parks.ny.gov/employment/benefits.aspx.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Email Address ExecRecruitment@parks.ny.gov
Address
Notes on ApplyingAll candidates must submit a written resume and cover letter which clearly demonstrates how they meet the minimum qualifications for the position. These documents must be received by February 5, 2026, and may be submitted via email to ExecRecruitment@parks.ny.gov. Please include “Chief Diversity Officer” in the subject line of your email.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to accurately describe their experience and demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualifications.
Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to ensuring equal opportunity for persons with disabilities and workplace diversity.
New York State (NYS) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, carrier status, gender identity or prior conviction records, or prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications or sealed records unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification or other exception.