Chief of Staff - Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services job

The Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) works with the Philadelphia School District, child welfare and judicial systems, and families and communities to provide care and services for people with mental illness, those struggling with addictions, and individuals with intellectual disabilities. DBHIDS embraces a vision of recovery, resilience, and self-determination through a person-directed model of care, enabling individuals to manage their own conditions and build their own recovery resources. The department also supports people with intellectual disabilities in living self-determined lives through quality community-based services.

About the role

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.

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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Manage high-priority and sensitive initiatives as assigned by the Commissioner.
• Oversee preparation of briefings, reports, and communications for the Commissioner and executive leadership.

Requirements

• 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 change.

Skills

• 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

• Unlimited free public transportation all year through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plans.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility for qualifying employees.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with over a dozen local colleges and universities (savings of 10% to 40%, sometimes extending to spouses and dependents).

Pay

$125,000 - $140,000 per year.

The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.