Chief of Staff - Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

• Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 
• Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 
• Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

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:

• People with mental illness.
• People struggling with addictions.
• People with intellectual disabilities.

We embrace a vision of recovery, resilience, and self-determination through a model of care that is directed by the person in recovery. In this model, professional treatment, along with family, individual, and other resources, allows people to manage their own conditions and build their own recovery resources.

We also help people with intellectual disabilities live self-determined lives in their communities by providing quality support and services.

Job Description

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