Deputy Managing Director, Health and Human Services

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

10d • $190,000 - $220,000 • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the structure, functions, and operations of municipal government, including budget management, policy development, and service delivery.
• Knowledge of public administration principles and best practices related to governance, strategic planning, performance management, and organizational leadership.
• Knowledge of budgeting, finance, and resource allocation, with the ability to oversee a multi-billion-dollar city budget and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Knowledge of urban policy and public sector innovation, including approaches to economic development, infrastructure management, housing, public safety, and transportation.
• Knowledge of intergovernmental relations, including collaboration with state, federal, and regional agencies to advance the City’s priorities.
• Knowledge of performance management methodologies, using data and key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and improve service delivery.
• Knowledge of technology and digital innovation, leveraging modern tools and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency, and public engagement.
• 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.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic policies and initiatives that align with the Mayor’s and Managing Director’s vision and improve citywide operations.
• Ability to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and efficiency within city government.
• Ability to analyze complex problems and develop practical, results-oriented solutions that address systemic challenges.
• Ability to adapt to evolving city needs and emerging issues, responding with agility and proactive leadership.
• Ability to engage and collaborate with Philadelphia’s residents and businesses, ensuring government actions reflect community needs and priorities.
• Ability to represent the Managing Director with integrity and professionalism at public events, legislative hearings, and media engagements.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure, balancing long-term planning with immediate operational demands.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least 10 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

• Oversee and monitor divisions of operating departments or units including 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, and 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.
• Ensure successful execution of major city initiatives, programs, and reforms in collaboration with department heads and city officials.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eligibility into the discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings) with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities, extending to spouse and dependents in some cases.

What This Job Offers

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