Director of Strategic Planning - Police

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

2d • $107,000 - $120,000

About The Position

The Director of Strategic Planning, within the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Strategic Planning, leads implementation of the Department’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and oversees its Project Management and Delivery Office (PMDO). The role manages a portfolio of high-impact initiatives, supervises the project management team, and ensures that strategic priorities become effective, measurable actions across the Department.

The PMDO coordinates, manages, and tracks strategies in the strategic plan and aligned major initiatives. It helps Department leadership turn priorities into actionable plans, support effective implementation, and monitor outcomes. Working with Department leadership, City partners, and external stakeholders, the Director guides implementation, coordinates complex cross-departmental initiatives, and ensures delivery is aligned with organizational goals.

This position requires strategic leadership, operational management, and the ability to guide complex organizational change within a large public safety organization. The Director reports to the Executive Director of Strategic Planning and serves as a senior advisor on strategic planning and implementation priorities.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in public administration, public policy, business, Juris Doctor, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of relevant professional experience, including leadership of growing teams and complex cross-functional initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, program management, and organizational change.
• Strong understanding of project and portfolio management methodologies, such as Agile, Scrum, and Waterfall.
• Knowledge of establishing or managing a Project Management Office (PMO/PMDO) or enterprise project delivery function.
• Experience with performance management systems, evaluation frameworks, and data-driven decision-making.
• Familiarity with public sector budgeting, policy development, and regulatory compliance.
• Knowledge of strategic communications and stakeholder engagement practices.
• Strategic leadership and organizational problem-solving skills; ability to translate complex operational and policy challenges into actionable initiatives.
• Strong team leadership, coaching, and management skills, including the ability to lead complex initiatives in large, multi-layered organizations.
• Ability to manage and prioritize a portfolio of initiatives across competing operational needs.
• Strong facilitation, executive communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite, and related project management tools.
• Ability to build trust and collaboration, navigate ambiguity while maintaining strategic focus and accountability, and communicate effectively with executive leadership, operational staff, and external partners.
• Ability to promote equitable and effective systems, policies, and organizational practices.
• Must become a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Must submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample.

Nice To Haves

• Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, or related certification.
• Experience supervising project managers or managing a project management office.
• Experience working in government, public safety, or large public sector organizations.
• Domain expertise in financial and policy initiatives, including budget strategy, grants management, or policy development.
• Domain expertise in communications initiatives, including strategic messaging, stakeholder engagement, or public communication.
• Domain expertise in talent and organizational development, including workforce development, leadership development, or training programs.
• Domain expertise in technology and data initiatives, including technology implementation, system modernization, cybersecurity, or Agile/Scrum.

Responsibilities

• Lead implementation of the Department’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and associated priority initiatives.
• Translate strategic goals into implementation plans with defined milestones, timelines, and performance measures.
• Coordinate implementation across operational and administrative units and identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, performance, and service delivery.
• Advise executive leadership on implementation strategies, policy considerations, and emerging challenges.
• Lead and oversee the Department’s Project Management and Delivery Office (PMDO), supervise its project management team, and establish project management standards, governance structures, and implementation frameworks.
• Develop and manage the portfolio of strategic initiatives and major projects; prioritize initiatives and allocate project management resources.
• Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and in alignment with operational and strategic objectives.
• Provide executive oversight for complex, cross-functional initiatives and coordinate work across Department units, City departments, and external partners.
• Identify implementation risks, resolve barriers, develop mitigation strategies, and support major initiatives tied to public safety priorities.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to project managers overseeing major initiatives.
• Develop systems to track implementation progress and outcomes; use data analysis, dashboards, and performance metrics to monitor progress and identify improvement opportunities.
• Conduct program and project evaluations, ensure consistent reporting to Department leadership, and prepare executive briefings, reports, and presentations.
• Lead cross-department collaboration, facilitate planning sessions, implementation workshops, and working groups, and support organizational change management related to programs, systems, and policies.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and promote best practices and continuous improvement.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for project management staff.
• Support development of policies, processes, and tools that strengthen project delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Lead special initiatives and assignments from the Executive Director or Police Commissioner.

Benefits

• Unlimited free year-round public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Eight weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Eligibility for a discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through City partnerships with area colleges and universities.

What This Job Offers

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