Publisher's Section
The 2026 Top Workplaces
Leading employers in New York’s public, private and nonprofit spheres.
City & State presents the 2026 Top Workplaces. Healthix
Having a great place to work is invaluable. Apart from the pay scale and benefits, a healthy workplace has effective, empathetic leaders, supportive, collaborative colleagues and shared commitment to a clear mission. Owners invest in up-to-date technology and green-friendly infrastructure while managers provide opportunities for networking, engaging with the local community and connecting with peers through social gatherings as well as cultural and affinity groups. Given how many hours workers spend on the job, these attributes make a world of difference.
City & State’s Top Workplaces highlights standout employers that are ahead of the curve. This year’s list features 40 of the best places to work in the world of New York politics and policy, including governmental, nonprofit and for-profit entities small and large. To compile this list, we solicited and assessed reader nominations, which we vetted via anonymous employee reviews and other publicly available information. The selected honorees shared some basic details, including three areas of strength in their workplace.
We’re pleased to present City & State’s 2026 Top Workplaces.
AHRC New York City
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 4,750
Industry: Nonprofit
Overview
AHRC New York City is fiercely committed to achieving equity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York City. Our 4,750 staff, representing the demographics of our city, are devoted to the highest levels of excellence and innovation in all aspects of their work, striving to create a socially just world where the power of difference is embraced, valued and celebrated.
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AHRC NYC is a place where staff’s work truly matters. Every day, our staff make a meaningful difference in the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. Beyond providing exceptional support, we’re driving lasting change by advancing advocacy, influencing public policy and expanding opportunities for education, employment, community living and full participation in society.
Avoq
Headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Number of employees: 200+
Industries: Strategic communications, government relations, advertising
Overview
Avoq is a strategic communications, government relations and advertising firm distinguished by intelligence and creativity. We help you shape narratives, protect and build reputation, influence policy and bring ideas to life. Our New York team partners with corporations, nonprofits, advocacy organizations and public sector clients on issues ranging from workforce development and public health to criminal justice reform and economic opportunity. We combine strategic communications, public affairs, creative production, intelligence and paid media strategies to help clients advance their missions while making a positive impact in their communities.
Top workplace
Avoq stands out because of its culture of connection, inclusion and community impact. Employees build relationships through monthly social events, museum outings, wine tastings, ticket raffles and our popular “Personal PowerPoints” series. Employee-led Resource Groups, including BlackFrames, ProudVoices, Do Good, Parenting and Elder Care, create opportunities for mentorship, learning, advocacy and support. We also encourage employees to give back through paid volunteer time and meaningful work with organizations advancing economic opportunity, workforce development, criminal justice reform and equity. Together, these efforts create a workplace where employees feel connected, supported and empowered.
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Headquarters: Brooklyn
Number of employees: 154 full-time and 104 seasonal
Industry: Cultural institution
Overview
Brooklyn Botanic Garden is a 52-acre urban garden in the heart of Brooklyn connecting people to over 10,000 kinds of plants, fostering delight and curiosity while inspiring appreciation and stewardship of the environment. BBG engages the public through its world-class gardens and numerous educational and community programs. BBG’s mission-driven work connects people to the world of plants, and environmental stewardship gives employees a sense of fulfillment as part of an organization that values conservation, education and community engagement.
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BBG stands out as an exceptional and highly desirable workplace due to its harmonious blend of natural beauty, educational initiatives and supportive work environment. Its natural setting offers a daily inspiring connection to nature, working among diverse plant collections and serene landscapes. BBG’s commitment to education and growth not only serve the community but also provide staff with opportunities to mentor and engage in meaningful work.
BTQ Financial
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 50
Industry: Financial
Overview
BTQ manages every aspect of our clients’ financial operations with a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the unique and specific needs of nonprofits of all sizes and types. Three services, zero blind spots. Our high-performance, high-quality services are customized to fit the individual needs of each client. Our team’s extensive experience and expertise ensure that all processes are handled efficiently and effectively to provide a seamless experience from start to finish.
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BTQ Financial is a truly special place to work because of its people, leadership and purpose-driven culture. Guided by our mission to bring financial balance, transformation and quality, we empower nonprofit organizations to focus on advancing their missions. Our leaders foster a supportive, collaborative environment where employees feel valued, heard and encouraged to grow. Team members genuinely support one another, creating a strong sense of pride, flexibility and shared success. What makes BTQ especially meaningful is the impact of our work – strengthening nonprofit organizations so they can better serve their communities. It’s a workplace where purpose and professional growth come together.
Burke Rehabilitation
Headquarters: White Plains
Number of employees: 1,130+
Industry: Healthcare
Overview
Burke Rehabilitation is a nationally recognized and accredited not-for-profit healthcare organization specializing in advanced rehabilitation medicine, pioneering research and graduate medical education excellence. The Burke mission is to provide the highest-quality medical care and rehabilitation services to ensure that each patient achieves the maximum functional recovery from illness, injury or disability. Burke offers a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services across its hospital, Outpatient Physician Practice and 15 outpatient therapy locations throughout the Bronx, Westchester County and the Hudson Valley.
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The outstanding staff at Burke are what makes the workplace stand out. This is evident through the organization’s fundamental C.A.R.E.S. values, which were determined by the employees themselves: compassion, accountability, respect, exceeding expectations and service excellence. These are woven into every aspect of the organization, guiding every interaction and decision. Burke has a mission-driven culture and a deep sense of community. The organization is more than a workplace; it’s a place where employees grow and provide award-winning care.
Commonpoint
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 483 full-time employees and 2,500+ part-time employees
Industry: Human services
Overview
Imagine a place where, at every stage of life – from childhood to older adulthood – you can always find support, connection and community. That’s Commonpoint. We’re a community-driven nonprofit serving people of all ages and backgrounds across the five boroughs and beyond with youth programs, job training, food access, wellness, senior care and more. We don’t just offer services – we build lifelong relationships, guided by Jewish values that embrace kindness, inclusivity and social justice, and we meet evolving needs with compassion. With around 100 sites across New York City, we’re truly a “common point” where people can turn – in times of crisis, growth or celebration.
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One of the most incredible things about Commonpoint is that so many of our staff members are former participants. Between staff who grew up in education, wellness or recreational programs, youth and adult workforce participants who went from clients or interns to staff members, or even community members who were familiar with our center and came in for a job, we are fortunate to build our community – authentically – with people who have used, benefited and now champion for our services.
Day Care Council of New York
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 44
Industry: Nonprofit
Overview
The Day Care Council of New York is a nonprofit organization working to strengthen New York City’s early childhood education sector. We support childcare and early education providers through advocacy, workforce initiatives, labor relations, technical assistance and direct services. As the demand for affordable, high-quality childcare continues to grow, DCCNY works to ensure providers have the resources, support and public policies they need to thrive. Our goal is simple: build a stronger early childhood system so that providers, children, families and communities can succeed.
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At DCCNY, employees can connect their work to outcomes for providers, educators, children and families across New York City. Whether working in policy, membership, childcare support, development or operations, staff can see how their work affects the broader early childhood system. We recognize that our employees have lives outside of work and aim to lead with flexibility, respect and understanding, and want them to feel valued, supported and trusted. At the end of the day, we want DCCNY to be a place where people can do meaningful work, continue to grow and feel genuinely appreciated for the contributions they make.
Forte Construction Corp.
Headquarters: Islandia
Number of employees: 265
Industry: Construction
Overview
Forte Construction Corp. is a leading general contractor delivering complex projects for public agencies, including the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York City School Construction Authority, Dormitory Authority of the State of New York and Amtrak. Guided by our mission of “Building a Better Tomorrow,” we enhance communities through transit accessibility, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant infrastructure and billions of dollars in successful modernization projects. Our commitment extends beyond construction through active philanthropy and year-round support of charitable and community organizations. By fostering a culture of collaboration, respect and purpose, we encourage employees to make a meaningful impact both on the job and in the communities we serve.
Top workplace
What sets Forte apart is our culture of collaboration, respect and trust. Teamwork is not simply encouraged – it is the foundation of how we succeed. We approach challenges collectively, drawing on the knowledge and strengths of our entire team. Every employee, regardless of role, tenure or background, is empowered to contribute ideas and make a meaningful impact. Respect guides our interactions, while trust fosters accountability, support and shared achievement. This commitment to working together creates a workplace where employees feel valued, connected and invested in one another's success.
Geto & de Milly
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 20
Industry: Government affairs, community relations, strategic communications
Overview
With four decades of expertise as a top public affairs firm in New York, Geto & de Milly specializes in real estate and land use, the nonprofit sector, corporate affairs, public policy, and civic initiatives. We help our clients secure government approvals and nonprofit funding, building strong community support for our diverse projects. Geto & de Milly helps create new housing and commercial development, delivers exciting new sports venues and achieves transformative large-scale rezonings. Our team is committed to enhancing New York’s cultural life, improving the delivery of social services and shaping our public realm.
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As a boutique public affairs firm, every member of our diverse and multigenerational team plays a meaningful role in shaping strategy, engaging stakeholders and advancing client goals. Our collaborative environment offers strong mentorship and opportunities to take on significant responsibility, contribute innovative ideas and make a tangible impact. Whether helping a nonprofit secure funding, guiding a high-profile development project through land use processes or building community support around a worthy initiative, the Geto & de Milly team is encouraged to collaborate creatively and engage in the outstanding civic and cultural life of our city to foster professional growth.
Global Kids
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 170
Industry: Nonprofit
Overview
Global Kids educates, inspires and mobilizes youth to become global citizens who are actively engaged in the world and prepared for their futures. Through after-school and community-based programs in New York City and Washington, D.C., the organization supports academic achievement, social-emotional wellness, and college and career readiness. Our employees are deeply committed to youth development and fostering student success. Each team member dedicates time and effort to ensuring that student voices are heard, while empowering young people to strive for excellence and go above and beyond.
Top workplace
Global Kids stands out for its holistic and youth-centered approach to development. The organization goes beyond traditional academic support by integrating leadership development, global awareness and social-emotional learning into everything it does. GK prioritizes youth voice and agency, ensuring that young people are active contributors and leaders in their communities. What truly distinguishes GK is its dedicated staff, whose passion for youth development drives meaningful relationships, mentorship and long-term impact. This commitment helps empower students to think critically, act confidently and pursue opportunities beyond what they may have imagined.
Grand Street Settlement
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 590
Industry: Nonprofit
Overview
Since 1916, Grand Street Settlement has supported children and families throughout New York City with high-quality early childhood, after-school and summer camps, and older adult programs. Our whole-family, place-based model ensures that communities in areas of high need throughout the Lower East Side, Brooklyn and the Bronx receive programs and services designed directly to support them.
Top workplace
Grand Street’s employee culture is rooted in service, community and professional development. Our team receives best-in-class benefits, including 401(k), health, dental and vision insurance, numerous professional development scholarships and opportunities, and generous paid time off. Our goal is to make sure our staff knows they are valued and empowered. This makes it possible to deliver vital services that our neighbors rely on while spreading joy throughout our sites, from stepping-up ceremonies for our preschoolers, to exploring new opportunities with youth, to dancing Zumba with our seniors.
Grant Associates
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 450
Industry: Workforce development
Overview
Grant Associates is a national workforce development organization dedicated to raising the economic security of the people, businesses and communities we serve. Founded in 1997, we design and operate integrated career, training and business services that connect job seekers to meaningful employment while helping employers build skilled, diverse talent pipelines. While we are based in New York City and operate several programs across the city, our work spans the country, grounded in a human-centered, data-driven approach. We foster a collaborative, mission-driven workplace where staff are empowered to innovate, grow and make a measurable impact every day.
Top workplace
What sets Grant Associates apart is our people – mission-driven professionals guided by values like integrity, empathy, collaboration and impact in everything we do. We work side by side with community-based organizations, employers and public partners to deliver services that are responsive, coordinated and rooted in real community needs. Our culture emphasizes shared success over individual recognition; we are committed not just to advancing our own organization, but to strengthening the workforce development field as a whole. By raising standards, sharing best practices and investing in our staff, we create an environment where purpose and performance go hand in hand.
Greater Jamaica Development Corp.
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 36
Industry: Community and economic development
Overview
Greater Jamaica Development Corp. is the economic development entity for Southeast Queens. It is a recognized leader across the borough and respected in City Hall, Albany and Washington, D.C. GJDC has helped thousands of small businesses with financial assistance, technical support, grant programs, access to resources and growth opportunities. Our Greater Nexus coworking space is fully leased with entrepreneurs and startups; we host multiple community and business networking events annually; and operate a food court with locally owned eateries.
Top workplace
The staff makes the workplace stand out. From the senior leadership on down, everyone at GJDC is committed to the organization’s mission. President and CEO Justin Rodgers has facilitated nearly $2 billion of development projects in Jamaica and fostered relationships with elected officials of all levels to secure support for the neighborhood’s revitalization. Employee satisfaction is high, turnover is minimal, internal promotion is standard and employee participation at GJDC events is near 100%. Employees have great pride in the organization, the work they do promoting the neighborhood and helping small businesses across the community succeed.
H&H Telecom Construction Inc.
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 14
Industry: Construction
Overview
H&H Telecom Construction Inc. is a New York-based telecom infrastructure contractor delivering tower construction and maintenance, distributed antenna systems/public safety radio systems, fiber-optic installation, microwave backhaul, structured cabling, grounding and site development services. Our mission is to build reliable communications infrastructure with safety, integrity and teamwork, while creating opportunities for employees and supporting the communities we serve.
Top workplace
H&H stands out because our leadership works side by side with field teams, making safety, respect and accountability part of daily operations. We are a diverse, hands-on team that responds quickly, learns continuously and takes pride in public safety and telecom projects that keep communities connected. Our workplace culture is built on trust, growth and shared success.
Healthix
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 72
Industry: Healthcare technology
Overview
Healthix empowers healthcare providers, health systems, community organizations and public health partners with actionable data, advanced interoperability solutions and real-time insights that support informed decision-making, improved care coordination and better health outcomes across New York. As a mission-driven organization, we are committed to transforming healthcare through innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement. Our culture emphasizes leadership development, employee engagement, operational excellence and meaningful community impact.
Top workplace
What makes Healthix stand out is our people. We are a team of passionate, purpose-driven New Yorkers who view our work as more than a job – it is a commitment to transforming healthcare and improving the lives of the communities we serve. Our team understands that the work we do has a direct impact on patients, providers and public health. That commitment extends beyond the workplace. We support community partners and causes that matter through suicide prevention walks, health fairs, maternal health initiatives and public health events. We don’t simply serve our communities; we are part of them.
Hinman Straub
Headquarters: Albany
Number of employees: 74
Industry: Law, government relations, association management
Overview
For 90+ years, Hinman Straub has been a leader in providing individual, institutional and corporate clients with a comprehensive array of legal and government relations services that few other firms can match. Located in the heart of New York state government, HS offers clients a wide range of practice expertise, from health law to health insurance, life insurance to financial planning, labor to education, government relations and association management services. Hinman Straub’s outstanding reputation, combined with its long-standing relationships with government, judicial and business leaders, makes the difference for clients.
Top workplace
HS stands out because of its exceptional leadership, collaborative culture and deep commitment to employees and clients. The firm has successfully expanded its team and services while maintaining a strong focus on delivering outstanding client representation. Employees are valued, supported and encouraged to grow professionally and personally. This people-first approach is reflected in the firm’s remarkable longevity – one-third of employees have been with HS for 10 years or more, contributing to over 650 years of combined experience. The same dedication extends to clients, many of whom have partnered with the firm for decades, creating a workplace built on trust, stability and lasting success.
J Strategies
Headquarters: Albany
Number of employees: 16
Industries: Coalition building, issue advocacy, strategic guidance, media consulting
Overview
J Strategies was founded in 2010 on the belief that success comes from collaboration among colleagues, enjoying the work, valuing the close commitment to our clients and sharing their goals. Since then, Jaime Venditti and Julie Mosley, alongside their carefully cultivated team of dedicated professionals, have worked tirelessly and earned a stellar reputation as a creative, driven firm that always gets results.
Top workplace
J Strategies is a women-owned boutique firm that takes an innovative approach to advocacy, blending traditional, digital and emerging media strategies with alliance development, government affairs and policy expertise. Our size allows us to deliver personalized attention, tailored strategies and fresh perspectives grounded in collaboration, inclusivity and relationship-building. A strong company culture and commitment to work-life balance further set us apart, fueling creativity, trust and resilience. With a presence in New York and across the mid-Atlantic and Northeast, J Strategies drives lasting impact for clients navigating today’s complex media and policy landscapes.
Javits Center
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 3,000+
Industry: Events
Overview
Javits Center is New York City’s premier convention, trade show and special event destination, serving as a hub where innovation, collaboration, commerce and community come together. As both an economic engine and community partner, our mission is to provide a world-class venue that inspires connections, drives business success and supports the neighborhoods we serve. Across six city blocks, we host more than 140 events each year, often managing multiple large-scale events simultaneously, while delivering exceptional service, operational excellence and industry-leading sustainability.
Top workplace
At Javits Center, our people are our greatest strength. More than 10% of our workforce has been with Javits Center for over 20 years, fostering a culture grounded in experience and institutional knowledge. From administrative professionals to skilled tradespeople, our employees bring a shared commitment to delivering exceptional experiences at one of New York City’s most iconic venues. Through investments in professional development, organizationwide employee engagement efforts and communications that strengthen connection and investment, we empower our team to grow. Our people don’t just show up to do incredible work – they show up for each other.
Kinetic Communities Consulting Corp.
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 20
Industry: Energy
Overview
Kinetic Communities Consulting Corp. is a woman- and minority-led consulting firm advancing energy equity, affordable housing decarbonization and climate justice. Our diverse team brings deep expertise in program design, community engagement, technical assistance, policy, data analysis and workforce development. KC3 helps government agencies, utilities, nonprofits and community partners build clean energy programs that are practical, equitable and rooted in the communities they serve.
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KC3 stands out because our team is brilliant, diverse and deeply connected to the work. We bring policy thinkers, program builders, community engagement experts, technical specialists and people with lived experience into the same room. That mix creates real trust, sharper solutions and a culture with heart. The work feels personal because the mission is personal: healthier homes, stronger communities and a fairer clean energy future for New Yorkers.
Lantern Community Services
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 364
Industry: Human services
Overview
Lantern Community Services’ supportive housing and shelter programs support New Yorkers with experiences of homelessness, including individuals, families with children and young adults aged out of foster care. Lantern’s 21 residences create access to safe, affordable housing with integrated supports across four New York City boroughs. Wraparound services adapt to meet residents where they are, spanning housing security, health, food and nutrition, education, and arts and culture. Lantern fosters an environment where our teams of dedicated staff can do their best work. Strong leadership, a clear mission and compassionate care drive high-quality services that foster long-term stability, well-being and belonging.
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Lantern Community Services’ workplace is distinguished by three commitments: cultivating leadership, investing in employees and advancing pay equity. Many of our leaders have advanced from direct service roles, bringing knowledge of our programs and participants into organizational decision-making. Lantern supports employees’ professional growth and development as they deliver the services that define our impact. We have championed pay equity in human services by elevating salaries and benefits, a core value reflected in recruitment, retention and career mobility. By centering workforce equity and advancement, Lantern has cultivated stronger leadership and more engaged staff who, together, drive our dynamic and resilient organization.
National Grid
Headquarters: Brooklyn
Number of employees: 11,400
Industry: Energy
Overview
At National Grid, we power 4.2 million customers across New York, supporting homes, businesses and communities that keep the state moving. Our mission, to bring energy to power possibilities, guides how we invest in our systems, support our workforce and build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. This year, we invested $4.6 billion across our networks, replaced more than 220 miles of gas pipe and energized over 100 miles of transmission through Smart Path Connect. During one of the coldest winters in a decade, we safely delivered record levels of natural gas while maintaining reliable service customers depend on daily.
Top workplace
Our workplace stands out for how we combine strong leadership, innovative technology and a people-first culture. We invest in our employees through comprehensive benefits, leadership development programs like Supervising @ Grid, and tools that enhance the day-to-day work experience. Recognition such as the Platinum Bell Seal for mental health and high employee engagement reflects this commitment. At the same time, our teams are deeply connected to the communities we serve, contributing 16,600 volunteer hours in 2026 and leading critical storm response efforts, all while helping deliver a more sustainable energy future.
NCheng LLP
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 195
Industry: Accounting, financial management and consulting, nonprofit services
Overview
NCheng LLP is a mission-driven accounting and consulting firm dedicated exclusively to serving nonprofit organizations for more than 37 years. Our professionals provide financial management, audit, tax, advisory and technology consulting that help organizations strengthen operations and maximize their community impact. Our collaborative team combines deep nonprofit expertise with innovative solutions, empowering employees to build meaningful careers while helping mission-based organizations improve financial stewardship and create lasting change.
Top workplace
At NCheng LLP, our people are empowered to grow through mentorship, leadership development, continuous learning and meaningful client engagement. We foster an inclusive culture built on collaboration, innovation and respect, where every employee has the opportunity to make a measurable impact. Competitive benefits, flexible work arrangements, wellness initiatives and investment in technology support our team’s success both professionally and personally. Because we exclusively serve nonprofits, our employees know their work directly contributes to strengthening organizations that improve communities across New York and beyond.
New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 2,400
Industry: Government
Overview
At HPD, our mission is to promote quality and affordability in the city’s housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods. We do this by maintaining building and resident safety and health, creating opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability, and engaging New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.
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At HPD, we work to promote strength and diversity in our workforce and an inclusive and equitable work environment. We believe that addressing economic and racial exclusion in the city’s neighborhoods requires a diverse and representative staff, and that we create the most value for the city and its residents when all staff identities are embraced, and all staff opinions and perspectives are heard.
New York City Energy Efficiency Corp.
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 16
Industry: Nonprofit lender
Overview
NYCEEC is a mission-driven nonprofit lender dedicated to financing clean energy and energy efficiency projects in communities. We provide innovative financing solutions that enable projects to reduce emissions, improve building performance, increase affordability for households, lower energy demands on the grid and/or expand access to high-quality, sustainable affordable housing, especially in underserved communities.
Top workplace
What makes NYCEEC stand out is the combination of measurable impact and a people-first culture. Our work sits at the intersection of environmental action, community development, social impact and financial innovation, giving employees a clear connection between their daily work and tangible outcomes. Employees at all levels are encouraged to share ideas, collaborate across teams and contribute to a culture of continuous learning and growth. This shared mission attracts a team that is highly engaged and deeply committed to the work.
New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 700+
Industry: Healthcare
Overview
For more than five decades, New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center has been a leader in delivering innovative, high-quality behavioral healthcare to communities across New York City. As one of the region’s largest nonprofit behavioral health organizations, NYPCC serves more than 15,000 individuals each month through an integrated continuum of mental health services. Driven by a mission of clinical excellence, innovation and equitable access to care, our more than 700 dedicated professionals work collaboratively to strengthen individuals, families and communities while shaping the future of behavioral healthcare.
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NYPCC distinguishes itself through a culture that combines purpose-driven leadership with an unwavering commitment to employee growth, innovation and excellence. We believe exceptional client outcomes begin with exceptional people, which is why we invest heavily in leadership development, professional advancement, comprehensive training, employee recognition and workplace well-being. Our collaborative culture empowers employees to contribute meaningfully while continuously developing their careers. By fostering accountability, inclusion and innovation at every level, NYPCC has built an environment where talented professionals thrive while advancing our mission of transforming lives through compassionate behavioral healthcare.c
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
Headquarters: Albany
Number of employees: 836
Industry: Government
Overview
The state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. DHSES has an important mission and incredible employees dedicated to advancing our vision of a safe, prepared and resilient New York state.
Top workplace
Our employees are our greatest resource, and we make a concerted effort to listen to and support our staff. For example, we conduct an anonymous survey every two years to gather feedback directly from our employees about what’s working and what we can do to improve the agency. We have created a Peer Support Team to help provide emotional support for our employees, and we recently named our first-ever chief wellness officer to lead our wellness efforts. The focus on employee engagement and wellness makes us stand out in an industry where health and wellness are not always priorities.
New York State Higher Education Services Corp.
Headquarters: Albany
Number of employees: 145
Industry: Higher education
Overview
At the New York State Higher Education Services Corp., we help you pay for college. HESC administers nearly $1 billion in financial aid annually to more than 300,000 students through 27 grant, scholarship and loan forgiveness programs, including the Tuition Assistance Program, one of the nation’s largest need-based grants, and the Excelsior Scholarship. By providing resources, tools, and virtual and in-person support, HESC helps students and families navigate the financial aid process so they can successfully achieve their higher education goals.
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HESC’s mission is driven by a passionate team and supportive leadership that fosters a culture of respect, inclusion, collaboration and open communication. Through all-hands meetings, employee spotlights and open-door policies, employees are encouraged to share ideas and grow professionally. Every voice is valued, and diverse perspectives are welcomed. A redesigned intranet provides easy access to current resources and announcements, helping employees stay informed and engaged. United by a shared commitment to expanding higher education opportunities, HESC employees work together to make a lasting impact on the lives of New Yorkers.
O’Donnell & Associates
Headquarters: Buffalo
Number of employees: 14
Industry: Government relations and public affairs
Overview
Founded in 2001 by Managing Partner Jack O’Donnell, OD&A is a leading government relations and strategic advocacy firm with offices in Buffalo, Albany, Rochester, New York City and Washington, D.C. We help organizations navigate legislative, regulatory and public policy challenges while fostering meaningful connections between the public and private sectors. Serving Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, labor organizations, educational institutions and innovators, we transform ideas into impact. Recognized by City & State as one of New York’s Top 20 lobbying firms, OD&A delivers trusted advocacy that drives growth, creates opportunity and strengthens communities.
Top workplace
At O’Donnell & Associates, our people are our greatest strength. We have built a culture where talented professionals are empowered to grow, collaborate and make a meaningful impact through work that shapes communities and public policy. Our team thrives in an environment that values mentorship, innovation and work-life balance, supported by leaders who invest in employee success and well-being. By combining purpose-driven work with a culture of trust, opportunity and shared achievement, OD&A creates a rewarding workplace where employees can excel professionally, thrive personally and contribute to something larger than themselves.
Ostroff Associates
Headquarters: Albany
Number of employees: 30
Industry: Government relations
Overview
Ostroff Associates has been in the trenches of New York government relations for more than 30 years helping Fortune 500 companies, trade associations, nonprofits and institutions figure out how to actually get things done in New York. We work on the policy, regulatory and procurement challenges that matter most to our clients, and we have a track record that speaks for itself. But what we’re most proud of isn’t just the wins, it’s the team behind them. This is a place where people collaborate, look out for each other and genuinely care about the work.
Top workplace
We’ve spent decades building a firm where people come first, and that shows up in how we treat our team. We know your job is one part of your life, not all of it. If your kid has a game or recital, we want you there. If something comes up, we figure it out together. Government relations isn’t always 9-to-5, and we don’t pretend otherwise, but we work hard to make flexibility real, not just a talking point. We offer generous paid time off, 100% employer-paid health coverage and a team that truly has your back.
Outreach
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 356
Industry: Behavioral health
Overview
Founded in 1979, Outreach is a leading nonprofit behavioral health organization providing substance use disorder and mental health treatment across Queens and Long Island. Through 10 treatment programs, Outreach serves more than 3,000 adolescents, young adults, adults and families annually with a full continuum of residential, outpatient, recovery and supportive services. Outreach is also home to the Outreach Training Institute, downstate New York’s largest Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor and professional development training program, reflecting the organization’s commitment to strengthening both the communities it serves and the behavioral health workforce.
Top workplace
What sets Outreach apart is our people-first culture and unwavering commitment to our mission of helping individuals and families achieve lives of unlimited potential. Employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact every day while benefiting from robust professional development, career advancement opportunities and a supportive, collaborative environment. Through innovative programs, workforce development initiatives like the Outreach Training Institute, and a strong focus on inclusion and employee well-being, Outreach fosters a workplace where staff feel valued, connected and inspired to grow.
Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation
Headquarters: New Hyde Park
Number of employees: 1,240+
Industry: Healthcare, skilled nursing
Overview
Parker Jewish Institute provides a comprehensive network of programs and services for adults, delivered with compassion and clinical excellence. Our inpatient programs include short-term rehabilitation, sub-acute care, long-term care and palliative care. Our community health programs include home health care, hospice (community and inpatient) and medical house calls (Parker at Your Door). Our affiliates include Queens-Long Island Renal Institute, the Nerken Center for Research and Grants, and PRINE Health.
Top workplace
For more than a century, Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation has been dedicated to serving older adults with compassion, dignity and excellence. As a nonprofit leader in patient-centered care, Parker stands out for its mission-driven culture, commitment to innovation and investment in employee growth and development. Just as Parker embraces the diverse backgrounds, cultures and experiences of its residents and patients, it fosters an inclusive workplace where team members feel valued, supported and empowered to thrive while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Ponce Bank
Headquarters: Bronx
Number of employees: 235
Industry: Community banking, financial services
Overview
Founded in the Bronx, Ponce Bank is a community bank, Minority Depository Institution and Community Development Financial Institution committed to expanding financial opportunity by investing in communities that have historically been overlooked, underserved and underbanked. The bank provides personal and business banking, commercial lending, personal mortgages, Financial Mastery Program workshops and banking solutions for community-based nonprofit organizations. With branches throughout New York and one location in New Jersey, employees are united by a shared commitment to helping individuals, families, small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs and nonprofits succeed, creating lasting impact in the communities Ponce Bank serves.
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Ponce Bank stands out because community is more than a mission – it’s part of the bank’s identity. Guided by the belief that the bank is in the community, of the community and for the community, employees bring authentic connections to the neighborhoods they serve while helping individuals, families, small businesses, aspiring entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations succeed. This shared commitment to purpose, service, collaboration and community impact creates a workplace where employees see the meaningful difference their work makes every day.
Safe Horizon
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 787
Industry: Nonprofit
Overview
Safe Horizon is the nation’s largest victim service organization, serving over 250,000 children, teens and adults experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, homelessness and other forms of violence in the New York City area. The organization prides itself on reinforcing safety is a human right by ensuring survivors are kept safe through its 24-hour hotline, 1-800-621-HOPE; eight domestic violence shelters; two drop-in centers and one overnight shelter for its homeless youth clients; the ability to assist child abuse survivors at its five child advocacy centers; and offering crime victim advocates stationed at every NYPD precinct to help survivors.
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Safe Horizon offers a client-centered approach with survivors, recognizing each situation is unique and clients are the experts in their own lives. The organization partners with survivors and communities to advocate for policy change at all levels and practices anti-racism values. It promotes professional development, offering emerging leaders and learning leaders programs for early to mid-career staff, and numerous annual staff scholarships, such as the Lucy Friedman Scholarship Award, named after its founder, to support additional training and certification. The organization also hosts several staff affinity groups for colleagues to foster connections with one another around shared identities or interests.
Services for the UnderServed
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 1,900+
Industry: Human services
Overview
At Services for the UnderServed (S:US), we help individuals facing poverty, homelessness, behavioral health challenges and developmental disabilities live stable, healthy, fulfilling lives – starting with a place to call home. Through our homelessness prevention programs, permanent housing options and essential support services, we keep New Yorkers housed, healthy and socially connected.
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At S:US, our people are the difference. We strive to create an environment where staff are valued, heard and supported to grow – personally and professionally, all in service of our vision to eradicate homelessness in New York City. Through strong benefits, meaningful career pathways and inclusive community groups, employees are empowered to bring their full selves to work. Our teams are deeply connected to one another and to the communities we serve, driving purpose, pride and real impact every day.
Somos Innovation
Headquarters: Bronx
Number of employees: 62
Industry: Healthcare
Overview
Somos Innovation is a mission-driven healthcare organization that empowers independent physicians to succeed in value-based care through innovative technology, care management and practice support. By collaborating with physicians, health plans and community partners, we reduce administrative burden, improve health outcomes and advance health equity while strengthening communities across New York.
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Our team is united by a shared commitment to innovation, collaboration and improving lives. Employees work across disciplines to solve complex healthcare challenges, exchange ideas and support one another in a culture built on purpose, continuous learning and professional growth. Every team member plays a meaningful role in advancing value-based care and delivering a measurable impact on the communities we serve.
Spectrum Health & Human Services
Headquarters: Orchard Park
Number of employees: 340
Industry: Human services
Overview
Spectrum Health is a regional leader in delivering behavioral healthcare services. In 2025, we opened the Riverside Counseling Center in a high-need ZIP code in Buffalo to serve youth and their families. This site is growing rapidly, which demonstrates how Spectrum Health anticipates and meets needs and provides important and impactful service. We recently announced the relocation and expansion of a suburban counseling center. Within the next year, our flagship urban location will reopen after an extensive renovation supported by New York state and private foundation support with expanded services for East Buffalo.
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Simply said, it’s our team. When the Christmas 2022 winter storm decimated our flagship urban location, our leadership immediately secured short-term space for our team to serve its clients with no break in service. Our clinicians may have lost their “work home,” but they didn’t lose sight of their priority to serve clients however and from wherever they could. Our community teams in Erie, Niagara and Cattaraugus counties and our 24/7 crisis response teams serve high-need individuals, often in the most dire circumstances. This is our team’s calling and mission: serve others, promote healing and strive for wellness and recovery.
Sweet Group
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 50+
Industry: General contracting
Overview
Sweet Group is a trusted general contractor with more than 100 years of experience delivering projects across the tristate area. Serving both public and private sector clients, we build lasting partnerships through collaboration, accountability and results. We foster a workplace where employees are encouraged to grow, contribute ideas and make a meaningful impact on the projects, clients and communities we serve.
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Our workplace stands out because we approach our culture the same way we approach our projects, with focus, respect and strong teamwork. Every employee is empowered to contribute ideas, take initiative and advance their career. We prioritize open communication, accessible leadership and ongoing development, creating an environment where people feel engaged and supported. This mindset not only strengthens our team but also enhances the quality of work we deliver to our clients and communities.
The Black Car Fund
Headquarters: Queens
Number of employees: 103
Industry: Insurance
Overview
The Black Car Fund is a nonprofit organization that provides workers’ compensation and wellness benefits to New York’s for-hire vehicle industry, supporting more than 100,000 drivers statewide. For more than 25 years, our mission has been to protect, support and empower professional drivers through innovative health, safety, education and community programs. We work to improve the well-being of a diverse workforce while advancing safer, healthier outcomes across the transportation industry. Through strategic partnerships, outreach initiatives and direct engagement, we connect drivers with resources that strengthen their physical, financial and professional well-being.
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The Black Car Fund stands out by fostering a workplace culture where employees feel valued and connected to a larger purpose. We invest in employee well-being through a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, a lifestyle spending account, employee assistance resources and other unique perks, such as pet insurance reimbursement. With team members representing over 20 countries, diversity and inclusion are woven into everyday collaboration. Employees are encouraged to innovate, contribute ideas and engage directly with the communities they serve, creating a workplace defined by meaningful impact.
Westchester Jewish Community Services
Headquarters: White Plains
Number of employees: 620
Industry: Nonprofit, mental health and human services
Overview
Westchester Jewish Community Services is one of Westchester County’s largest mental health and human services nonprofit organizations, helping people of all ages and backgrounds meet life’s challenges and achieve personal success. Guided by compassion and the Jewish value of tikkun olam (repair the world), WJCS provides support services, including mental health and substance use treatment, developmental disability support, youth development, senior care, Holocaust survivor support, trauma expertise and much more, aimed at helping individuals heal, build resilience and lead their best lives. WJCS is in the business of strengthening lives and shaping futures.
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At WJCS, our staff are central to helping more than 20,000 people overcome life’s challenges. We invest deeply in staff growth and leadership development through annual leadership development opportunities, including management training, an off-site leadership summit and sponsorship of external programs for rising leaders. Our Staff Excellence Fund honors outstanding employees with a prestigious award and $1,500 for professional development and personal enjoyment. We also support employee well-being through a generous wellness reimbursement program covering activities such as gym memberships, massages, biometric trackers, art supplies, spiritual retreats and more.
YMCA of Greater New York
Headquarters: Manhattan
Number of employees: 3,800+
Industry: Community services
Overview
The YMCA of Greater New York is a nonprofit organization that has served New Yorkers for more than 170 years. Across its 24 branches, the Y reaches over 400,000 people annually through programs and services focused on advancing health and well-being for all. Guided by its mission to strengthen communities, the Y creates opportunities for individuals and families to grow and thrive. The Y provides critical resources ranging from childcare, lifeguard certification and progressive swim safety instruction to wellness and recreation programs. This commitment is reflected in its new “It Starts Inside” campaign, celebrating the potential within every New Yorker.
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The YMCA of Greater New York stands out for its commitment to employee growth and development. Through its LEAP (Leadership, Empowerment, Accountability, and Personal Growth) framework, staff receive coaching and training along with goal-setting support and opportunities to build on leadership skills. The Y also offers competitive benefits, wellness resources and a collaborative culture that values inclusion, learning and innovation. Employees are united by a shared sense of purpose and help create opportunities for New Yorkers of all ages and backgrounds to learn, connect and thrive.
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