Deputy Managing Director, Health and Human Services

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

 The Managing Director’s Office (MDO) is a cabinet-level office with oversight of the City’s operating departments. The MDO works with these departments to: 

• Create and successfully enact new policies. 

• Deliver efficient, effective, and responsive public services. 

• Implement the mayor’s vision. 

The MDO oversees the following operational areas, some of which also provide oversight to certain operating departments: 

• Capital Program Office 

• Community Services 

• Community Safety 

• General Services 

• Health and Human Services 

• Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems 

• Strategic Initiatives 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Deputy Managing Director (DMD) for Health and Human Services is a senior executive role within the Managing Director’s Office (MDO) of the City of Philadelphia.  The DMD provides leadership across multiple city departments focused on health, behavioral health, human services, and related social programs. This role reports through a First Deputy Managing Director to the Managing Director which is a cabinet-level position reporting to and appointed by the Mayor.  The Deputy Managing Director for Health and Human Services oversees strategic leadership, policy implementation, and operational coordination across Philadelphia’s health and human services departments. 

Essential Functions 

• Assigned to oversee and monitor divisions of operating departments or units (list is intended to be illustrative, not exclusive, and are subject to change based on Managing Director strategic vision) 

• Health and Human Services 

• Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services 

• Mayor’s Commission on Aging 

• Office of Community Wellness & Recovery 

• Office of Homeless Services 

• Philadelphia Department of Public Health 

• Provide leadership and strategic oversight to assigned operating departments, ensuring alignment with the Mayor’s and Managing Director’s policies and objectives. 

• Develop, propose and implement policies and initiatives that improve public service delivery, operational efficiency, and government effectiveness. 

• Under leadership and direction of the Managing Director, ensure successful execution of major city initiatives, programs, and reforms in collaboration with department heads and city officials. 

• Through leadership and oversight of divisions and close collaboration with other Deputy Managing Directors, encourage and lead collaboration among operating departments as well as functions not reporting to the Managing Director’s Office. 

• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor to the Managing Director on administrative and operational matters concerning assigned division. 

• When necessary, work with assigned division areas to engage with community organizations, private sector partners, and other stakeholders to improve service delivery and policy outcomes. 

• Ensure transparency, accountability, and equitable service delivery across the operating departments and operating function within the division purview. 

• Represent the Managing Director’s Office and, when necessary, the Mayor’s Office at public events, press conferences, and official engagements as required. 

• Under leadership of the Managing Director, manage cross-departmental initiatives to address wide-ranging complex policy and operational challenges. 

• Monitor, guide, and advise on the budgetary and financial management for the operating departments and functions under the division purview, ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource optimization. 

• Monitor and evaluate department performance, using data-driven approaches to track progress and ensure accountability in meeting strategic goals. 

• Prepare arguments and justifications for policy and legislative advocacy priorities at the local, state, and federal levels. 

• Find opportunities for and implement process improvements and technology solutions to modernize service delivery, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance public engagement. 

• Facilitate intergovernmental relations, collaborating with regional, state, and federal partners on initiatives impacting Philadelphia. 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and legal requirements, providing oversight of city agencies' adherence to applicable laws, policies, and ethical standards. 

• Strengthen community engagement efforts, ensuring resident feedback informs decision-making and city services are responsive to public needs. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• The structure, functions, and operations of municipal government, including budget management, policy development, and service delivery. 

• Public administration principles and best practices related to governance, strategic planning, performance management, and organizational leadership. 

• Budgeting, finance, and resource allocation, with the ability to oversee a multi-billion-dollar city budget and ensure fiscal responsibility. 

• Urban policy and public sector innovation, including approaches to economic development, infrastructure management, housing, public safety, and transportation. 

• Intergovernmental relations, including collaboration with state, federal, and regional agencies to advance the City’s priorities. 

• Performance management methodologies, using data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and improve service delivery. 

• Technology and digital innovation, leveraging modern tools and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public engagement. 

Skill in: 

• Extensive experience in public administration, health policy, or social services management. 

• Executive leadership and strategic decision-making, with the ability to guide large-scale initiatives and drive operational improvements. 

• Interagency coordination and cross-sector collaboration, fostering partnerships among government agencies, businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. 

• Financial and budget management, ensuring responsible fiscal planning and resource allocation for citywide operations. 

• Organizational change management, leading complex reforms to modernize and streamline government functions. 

• Crisis leadership and problem-solving, making high-stakes decisions during emergencies and unexpected challenges. 

• Negotiation and conflict resolution, working effectively with elected officials, labor unions, community representatives, and key stakeholders. 

• Public engagement and communication, articulating complex policies and priorities to diverse audiences, including residents, media, and policymakers. 

• Program evaluation and continuous improvement, using data-driven decision-making to enhance government efficiency and service delivery. 

Ability to: 

• Lead and oversee a diverse portfolio of operating departments and/or functions, ensuring effective governance and policy implementation. 

• Develop and implement strategic policies and initiatives that align with the Mayor’s and Managing Director’s vision and improve citywide operations. 

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and efficiency within city government. 

• Analyze complex problems and develop practical, results-oriented solutions that address systemic challenges. 

• Adapt to evolving city needs and emerging issues, responding with agility and proactive leadership. 

• Engage and collaborate with Philadelphia’s residents and businesses, ensuring government actions reflect community needs and priorities. 

• Represent the Managing Director with integrity and professionalism at public events, legislative hearings, and media engagements. 

• Manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure, balancing long-term planning with immediate operational demands. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Related fields may apply more specifically to division assignments. Advanced level degree preferred.  
• At least 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a large, urban municipal government, public administration, large-scale operations, or a related field. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $190,000-$220,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx