Public Health Legal Fellowship

The Fund for Public Health in New York City (FPHNYC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is dedicated to the advancement of the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.  To this end, in partnership with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), FPHNYC incubates innovative public health initiatives implemented by DOHMH to advance community health throughout the city. It facilitates partnerships, often new and unconventional, between government and the private sector to develop, test, and launch new initiatives. These collaborations speed the execution of demonstration projects, effect expansion of successful pilot programs, and support rapid implementation to meet the public health needs of individuals, families, and communities across New York City.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Overview:  With an annual budget of $1.6 billion and more than 6,000 employees throughout the five boroughs, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH) is one of the largest -- and most highly regarded -- public health agencies in the world, serving 8 million New Yorkers from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. DOHMH is tackling a broad range of public health issues with innovative policies and programs and seeing significant results from our efforts.

The Office of General Counsel (OGC) works to ensure that the innovative programs and initiatives of NYC DOHMH are supported by a dedicated legal team comprised of health justice-focused attorneys. In addition, attorneys help to develop the appropriate regulatory / legal avenues for DOHMH policy work.  Over the course of the pandemic, OGC’s docket has included issuing Commissioner Orders to mandate vaccination (and assisting to defend those mandates when subject to challenge); advising on legal issues related to reopening schools and businesses; protecting data systems; and ensuring vaccine distribution compliance with federal and state laws. Over the pandemic and as the agency moves forward, NYC DOHMH attorneys work to support an array of initiatives addressing health disparities through targeted initiatives.

The selected candidate will be an employee of the Fund for Public Health of New York, a nonprofit organization that will be the fiscal and administrative manager of the grant; the Fellow’s work be supervised by DOHMH OGC.  This is a grant-funded position starting in July 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The DOHMH Public Health Fellow will function as an integral member of the OGC legal team. The Fellow will: provide legal research and analysis on a myriad of health-related issues including development of briefings to support redress relating to disparities and chronic disease; analyze and develop regulations, legislation, and policy; and draft affidavits in support of science-based policies of DOHMH. The Fellow may also participate in public speaking and attend relevant conferences.

The hybrid Fellowship is for one year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide legal research and analysis on a myriad of health-related issues including development of briefings to support redress relating to disparities and chronic disease
• Analyze and develop regulations, legislation, and policy
• Draft affidavits in support of science-based policies of DOHMH

QUALIFICATIONS

• Applicants must have both a masters in public health (MPH) and a law degree (JD). 
• In addition, the successful applicant will have demonstrated excellent legal research, writing, analytic, and communication skills.
• An interest in health care, public health, civil rights and social justice is essential.
• Applicants should be self-motivated and have the proven ability to work with a wide range of people.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

FPHNYC offers a comprehensive benefits package. The salary is $73,000.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

There is potential for this position to transition to DOHMH and therefore candidates must meet DOHMH eligibility requirement including NYC residency.

TO APPLY

To apply, send Resume, with Cover Letter, including how your experience relates to this position here by May 31, 2025. We ask that you do not contact our staff directly and no phone inquiries please. Applicants who best match the position needs will be contacted.

The Fund for Public Health in New York City is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply.