Director, Registration Unit, Bureau of Vital Statistics

Director, Registration Unit, Bureau of Vital Statistics

NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Posted Jan 22, 2026
• Full-time
• Manhattan
• Negotiable
• Master (>10 yrs)

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, 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.

• 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…