Deputy Chief of Staff

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 Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the City by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing our City and to create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.

The Mayor’s Office hopes to continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results.

The Mayor’s Office focuses on the following main initiatives:

• Public Safety
• Clean and Green
• Housing
• Economic Opportunity
• Education
• Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)

Job Description

Position Summary

As the Deputy Chief of Staff you will play a pivotal role in supporting the Chief of Staff in the administration and management of the Mayor's office. This position requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders to advance the Mayor's agenda and priorities. You will oversee key projects, initiatives, and operations within the Mayor's office and serve as a trusted advisor to the Chief of Staff.

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning and Coordination:

• Assist the Chief of Staff in developing and implementing strategic plans, goals, and objectives for the Mayor's office, aligning activities with the Mayor's vision and priorities.
• Coordinate with city departments, agencies, and external partners to ensure alignment and integration of initiatives and activities across the Mayor's administration.

Policy Development and Analysis:

• Conduct research and analysis on policy issues, legislative proposals, and emerging trends affecting the City of Philadelphia, providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Chief of Staff and Mayor.
• Assist in the development of policy proposals, executive orders, and other directives to address key challenges and opportunities facing the city.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, and monitoring of key projects and initiatives within the Mayor's office, ensuring timely delivery of results and alignment with established goals and priorities.
• Coordinate with department heads, project teams, and external partners to identify resources, track progress, and address challenges or barriers to implementation.

Interdepartmental Collaboration:

• Foster collaboration and coordination among city departments, agencies, and stakeholders to address cross-cutting issues and promote integrated solutions to complex challenges.
• Serve as a liaison between the Mayor's office and other city entities, facilitating communication, information sharing, and collaboration on shared goals and initiatives.

Staff Supervision and Development:

• Supervise and mentor staff members within the Mayor's office, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities to promote individual growth and team effectiveness.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion and promotes collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

External Relations and Representation:

• Represent the Mayor's office in meetings, events, and forums with external stakeholders, including elected officials, community leaders, advocacy groups, and the media.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key partners and stakeholders to advance the Mayor's agenda, build coalitions, and mobilize support for key initiatives.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

• Local Government Operations: Understanding of local government structures, functions, and processes, including knowledge of city departments, agencies, and decision-making mechanisms.
• Policy Development: Knowledge of policy development and analysis principles, including the legislative process, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in policy formulation and implementation.
• Strategic Planning: Familiarity with strategic planning methodologies and techniques for setting goals, defining objectives, and developing action plans to achieve desired outcomes.
• Project Management: Understanding of project management principles and practices, including project planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation, to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives within established timelines and budgets.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Knowledge of interdepartmental collaboration processes, including coordination, communication, and cooperation among city departments and agencies to address complex challenges and promote integrated solutions.
• Community Engagement: Understanding of community engagement strategies, techniques, and tools for promoting inclusive participation, fostering dialogue, and building consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Political Landscape: Awareness of the political landscape and dynamics within the City of Philadelphia, including knowledge of key stakeholders, interest groups, and power structures influencing decision-making processes.

Skills:

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, foster teamwork, and drive results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly, persuasively, and diplomatically to diverse audiences, including elected officials, policymakers, and the public.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think strategically, anticipate future trends, and identify opportunities to advance the Mayor's agenda and priorities within the broader context of city governance.
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop innovative solutions to address challenges and opportunities.
• Negotiation and Diplomacy: Skill in negotiating agreements, resolving conflicts, and navigating political dynamics with tact, diplomacy, and professionalism to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Project Management: Proficiency in project management tools and techniques for planning, organizing, and managing projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and objectives.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, foster collaboration, and promote a positive and inclusive work culture.

Abilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to provide strategic leadership and direction to the Mayor's office, setting priorities, allocating resources, and driving progress towards established goals and objectives.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Capacity to work collaboratively in a team environment, lead cross-functional initiatives, and leverage the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Decision-Making: Sound judgment and decision-making skills, with the ability to evaluate information objectively, assess risks and benefits, and make informed decisions that align with organizational values and priorities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities, circumstances, and stakeholder needs with agility and resilience, adjusting strategies and approaches as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Innovation: Ability to generate new ideas, approaches, and solutions to address emerging challenges and opportunities in city governance, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the Mayor's office.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding ethical standards, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions and decision-making processes, maintaining transparency, honesty, and accountability in governance.

Qualifications

Qualifications (Education and Experience)

Bachelor's degree in public administration, political science, business administration, or a related field required. Master's degree preferred.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in government, public policy, public service, non-governmental agencies, non-profits or related fields, with demonstrated leadership and management experience.

Any additional education and experience may substitute for the bachelor’s degree.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $115,000 - $145,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• 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.

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. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

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

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 49105b30-10dd-42c5-8ed9-af70b6068bdd

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2025-08-19T14:14:24