Job Description

The Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) is leading New York City’s response to, and service

provision for, the influx of asylum seekers. New York City’s response is unique throughout the nation and

includes complex services for asylum seekers, including but not limited to: legal supports, advocacy,

shelter, education, workforce training, clothing and food donations, and collaboration with faith-based and

community-based organizations.

OASO coordinates between agencies, makes sure that agencies have the resources they need, and

manages the City’s advocacy to the state and federal governments. OASO also leads strategic planning

for the City’s response, including long-term planning and policy drafting.

Asylum Application Help Center

In June 2023, OASO opened the Asylum Application Help Center (AAHC) at the Red Cross in Midtown.

Under the direction of City managers, the AAHC supports hundreds of asylum seekers per week with

immediate, high-quality assistance preparing and submitting applications for asylum pro se. The AAHC

does not offer full representation.

Interested asylum seekers are scheduled for one-on-one appointments at the application help center,

where trained application assistants work with the applicant to answer questions. Experienced

immigration lawyers are on site to supervise application assistants and provide guidance; interpreters

are on site to provide in-person language assistance.

The Office of Asylum Seeker Operations (OASO) is seeking one (1) Strategic Initiative Specialist to function as Operations Director, Asylum Application Help Center.

The Operations Director at the AAHC, reporting to the AAHC Executive Director, will serve as the on-site

lead on all operational matters.

The Operations Director, Asylum Application Help Center. will:

• Drive strategic planning for the administration and internal processes of the AAHC, including fiscal

processing, staffing, and operational policies, and procedures.

• Advise and make recommendations on overall budget. Develop high-level strategies around budget

planning and execution, technology usage, and Council hearing preparation.

• Manage and track budget and spending, developing systems as needed. Work with various

stakeholders to coordinate funding sources, track expenditures, and produce quarterly reports.

• Manage AAHC’s procurement needs and logistics, in partnership with other City agencies.

• Develop management and other operational tools for staff that help with effective and efficient

  workflow systems.

• Manage difficult and responsible professional personnel work in all aspects of

clerical/administrative and related staff activities concerned with the intake and processing of AAHC

candidates.

• Candidate must demonstrate knowledge of and support for EEO standards and procedures and

promote a workplace free from safety hazards

Work Shift/Hours:

Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm

Work Location:

22 Reade Street, NY, NY

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree and two (2) years of responsible full-time paid experience

in one or more of the fields of: information technology, methods analysis,

operations research, systems analysis, financial administration, cost effectiveness,

or fiscal and economic program or design evaluation; or

2. A satisfactory equivalent of education and experience. However, all candidates

must possess at least one year of the experience as described under “1”.

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.