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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), with some 900 staff and a budget of $350 million, promotes and protects the health of all Philadelphians and provides a safety net for the most vulnerable. PDPH leads programs to: prevent communicable diseases (including HIV, other STDs, tuberculosis, and vaccine-preventable diseases); prevent chronic diseases and injuries and promote healthy behaviors; prevent environmental health risks; investigate outbreaks of disease; respond to public health emergencies; and promote the health of women, children, and families. In addition, PDPH operates eight primary care clinics. Recently, PDPH has participated with other City agencies in responding to Philadelphia’s opioid crisis. PDPH has been an innovator in public health, pursuing novel policies to prevent and mitigate disease and injury, and intends to continue that tradition with creative solutions to both long-standing urban health problems and new crises.

The Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention 

Within PDPH, the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention (aka “Get Healthy Philly”), works to change policies, systems, and environments to make healthier living an easier choice for residents. We take an evidence-based systems and policy approach to preventing disease related to smoking, poor nutritional environments, lack of physical activity opportunities, and other known risk factors. We take the same approach to preventing injury in the City, with a particular focus on the vast problem of gun violence. We work collaboratively with partners across the City. Recent policy work includes the development and implementation of laws to restrict the sale of most e-cigarettes and all flavored cigars and cigarillos, a regulation designed to limit tobacco retailer density and to prohibit new tobacco retailers near schools, a law requiring chain restaurants to display sodium warning labels, and a regulation establishing the City’s homicide death and non-fatal injury review. Get Healthy Philly and PDPH’s work focuses on identifying and addressing health disparities in the City and is guided by a commitment to health justice.

We believe:

• All people should live to their fullest potential in environments that allow them to grow and thrive. 
• Progress only happens when we treat all people, communities, partners, and staff with dignity, care, and respect.
• Good government works in full partnership with community.
• Knowledge comes in many forms and from many places in our society.

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is seeking a highly qualified candidate to serve as Public Policy Advisor, a joint position in the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention and the Health Commissioner’s Office. The Public Policy Advisor works with the Health Commissioner, the Director of the Division of Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention, and with leaders across the Health Department to develop regulations, legislation, and other policies to promote health. The role also involves policy implementation and advocacy strategy work. We believe that well-designed public policy can interrupt cycles of poverty, inequity, and disease in support of a thriving, healthier Philadelphia. Help build that future with us. This position reports to the Director of the Division of Chronic Disease & Injury Prevention and the Health Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health.

Essential Functions

The Public Policy Advisor will accomplish the following:

• Work closely with the Chronic Disease & Injury team and the Health Commissioner’s office on the development of policy proposals.
• Advise departmental personnel on legislative and regulatory matters related to Health Department policy priorities.
• Serve as a key liaison with Law Department attorneys.
• Prepare written and oral reports and position papers, including interpreting and detailing relevant legislative and regulatory developments for departmental review.
• Recommend effective strategies on key legislation and regulations at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Provide information and support to the Board of Health on regulatory issues.
• Perform other work related to policy development, advocacy, and implementation as appropriate.

Education and Experience

• J.D. degree strongly preferred.
• Three or more years of experience as an attorney strongly preferred, particularly experience with significant public policy implications (e.g., constitutional law, impact litigation, or complex government affairs or regulatory practice).
• Prior experience with public policy development preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding and experience with public policy and related local, state and federal law
• Excellent writing skills
• Clear verbal communication
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex issues effectively to attorneys and non-attorneys strongly preferred.
• Commitment to public health principles, including health justice and poverty elimination.

Please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample with your application. Applications without all required documents will not be considered.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

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