Chief of Staff - Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services

About the role

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) works with the Philadelphia School District, child welfare and judicial systems, and with families and communities to provide care and services for individuals with mental illness, addiction struggles, and intellectual disabilities. DBHIDS embraces a vision of recovery, resilience, and self-determination through a model of care that is directed by the person in recovery.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Career 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Benefits

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan.
• 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.
• 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.

Additional Information

To apply, interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. Salary Range: $125,000- $140,000.

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.

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.