Deputy Managing Director, Division

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

7d

About The Position

The Deputy Managing Director is a leading executive in the Managing Director’s Office within the City of Philadelphia, serving as a key advisor to the Managing Director. This role is responsible for assisting the Managing Director to provide strategic leadership, ensure efficient service delivery, and foster cross-departmental collaboration to enhance government effectiveness. 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 ensures the effective implementation of the Mayor’s and Managing Director’s vision and priorities while delivering efficient, effective, and responsive public services to the residents of Philadelphia. Deputy Managing Directors directly oversee and monitor operating departments or operating units that are grouped together in divisions.

Requirements

• 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.
• City charter, municipal code, and executive policies, as well as relevant state and federal laws impacting local government operations.
• 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: 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.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, Law, Political Science or a closely related field. Related fields may apply more specifically to division assignments.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a large, urban municipal government, public administration, large-scale operations, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced level degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• 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)
• Capital Program Office
• Capital Program Office
• Rebuild
• Community Safety
• Licenses and Inspections: Inspections, Safety & Compliance
• Licenses and Inspections: Quality of Life
• Office of Emergency Management
• Philadelphia Department of Prisons
• Philadelphia Fire Department
• Community Services
• 311
• Animal Care and Control Team
• Office of Immigrant Affairs
• General Services
• Department of Public Property
• Department of Fleet Services
• Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation
• Free Library of Philadelphia
• Philadelphia Marathon Weekend
• Health and Human Services
• Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services
• Mayor’s Commission on Aging
• Office of Domestic Violence Strategies
• Office of Homeless Services
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health
• Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems
• Philadelphia Water Department
• Philadelphia Streets Department
• Office of Multimodal Planning
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive