Deputy Director- Forensic 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 Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) is the nation's fourth largest police department, with over 6300 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel. The PPD is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for serving Philadelphia County, extending over 140 square-miles in which approximately 1.5 million reside. Geographically, the Department is divided into twenty-one police districts (each headed by a captain), which comprise six police divisions (Northwest, Northeast, East, Central, Southwest, South - each headed by a Divisional Inspector), into two major sections of the city, Regional Operations Command North (ROC North) and Regional Operations Command South (ROC South), each headed by one Chief Inspector under Patrol Operations. Personnel are assigned to work in 55 different locations throughout Philadelphia, with Police Headquarters located in the 6th Police District, in Center City, at 400 North Broad Street.

Job Description

Position Summary

This is highly visible deputy director level and scientific work directing, through subordinate Police Captains and Assistant Directors, the day-to-day operations of multiple forensic laboratory sections within the Philadelphia Police Department’s Office of Forensic Science (OFS). As second-in-command to the Executive Director, this position plays a key leadership role in shaping the strategic, operational, and scientific direction of the Office.

The Deputy Director is charged with advancing the OFS mission through oversight of complex forensic analyses involving physical, chemical, biological, and digital evidence in support of criminal investigations. The position serves as a principal advisor and collaborator to the Executive Director, supporting organizational priorities in strategic planning, resource allocation, interagency partnerships, grant and contract development, procurement, technology implementation, and accreditation compliance. The Deputy Director represents OFS in high-stakes environments, including intergovernmental collaborations, crime scenes, court proceedings, and public forums.

Essential Functions

• Work is performed with a high degree of independence and requires a mastery of forensic science management, adherence to national and international quality standards, and the ability to effectively lead a diverse and multidisciplinary workforce
• Provides executive leadership over the daily operations of forensic laboratory sections, ensuring high-quality, timely, and legally sound forensic services across disciplines.
• Oversees a large, multidisciplinary staff of scientists, analysts, and administrative professionals through Police Captains and Assistant Directors.
• Directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of laboratory policies, protocols, and procedures in alignment with ISO/IEC 17025, ANAB, and other accreditation standards.
• Establishes performance benchmarks, quality assurance protocols, and audit systems to ensure continuous improvement and risk mitigation across all units.
• Serves as a senior liaison with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judicial personnel regarding forensic methodologies, evidence handling, and expert testimony.
• Leads the laboratory’s strategic planning process, including budget development, grant acquisition, technology procurement, and interagency resource coordination.
• Oversees and advances research initiatives, validation studies, and technology transfers; evaluates emerging forensic science trends for potential integration into OFS operations.
• Supports accredita