Chief of Staff - Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services

Position Summary 

The Chief of Staff serves as a strategic partner to the Commissioner of DBHIDS, providing high-level support in advancing the department’s mission to improve the health status of Philadelphians in need of behavioral health and/or intellectual disability support and services. This role oversees executive-level operations, drives leadership development initiatives, manages intergovernmental and stakeholder relations, and coordinates system transformation efforts using a population health framework. The Chief of Staff ensures alignment of strategic priorities, promotes operational excellence, and fosters an organizational culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. 

Essential Functions 

Strategic & Operational Leadership 

• Translate the Commissioner’s strategic vision into actionable work plans for leadership teams. 

• Support the Commissioner in leading system transformation initiatives designed to advance behavioral health and intellectual disability services through a population health framework. 

• Coordinate cross-divisional work, ensuring alignment with citywide priorities and policies  

• Oversee daily executive operations, ensuring efficient coordination across DBHIDS divisions and alignment with strategic goals. 

• Manage cross-functional projects, deadlines, and deliverables, ensuring timely and effective execution.  

• Monitor progress on key performance indicators and strategic initiatives, identifying and resolving barriers. 

Leadership Development & Organizational Culture 

• Direct leadership development programs to strengthen executive and senior management capacity. 

• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation across all levels of the organization. 

Government & Stakeholder Relations 

• Serve as a liaison between the Commissioner, internal leadership, City officials, state and federal agencies, community partners, and advocacy groups. 

• Represent the Commissioner in high-level meetings, negotiations, and public engagements as needed. 

Policy, Planning, & System Transformation 

• Lead policy analysis, planning efforts, and strategic initiatives that advance DBHIDS’s mission. 

• Ensure integration of data-driven decision-making, evidence-based practices, and culturally competent approaches into organizational priorities. 

• Coordinate communication and engagement strategies in collaboration with the Communications Unit. 

Special Projects 

• Manage high-priority and sensitive initiatives as assigned by the Commissioner. 

• Oversee preparation of briefings, reports, and communications for the Commissioner and executive leadership. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Deep understanding of behavioral health, intellectual disability services, and population health strategies. 

• Exceptional project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues with diplomacy. 

• Proven ability to work effectively within a political environment while maintaining focus on organizational goals. 

• Strategic leadership skills and demonstrated skill in fostering cross-sector partnerships and building consensus among diverse stakeholders. 

• Master’s degree in public administration, public health, behavioral health, or related field preferred. 

• Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in a complex organization, preferably in behavioral health or human services. 

• Experience in strategic planning, policy development, and intergovernmental relations. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage executive-level operations and lead organizational  

 

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

Salary Range: $125,000- $140,000

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• 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.

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