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 Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is charged with enforcing the civil rights laws that prevent discrimination and promote equal rights and opportunities for all Philadelphians, and with resolving conflicts and advancing positive community relations.

The Fair Housing Commission (FHC) enforces the Philadelphia Fair Housing Ordinance, Chapter 9-800 of the Philadelphia Code. The law prohibits certain unfair rental practices by landlords against tenants. It also gives the FHC the authority to address unsafe and unhealthy conditions in rental property.

The PCHR seeks an Executive Director who is responsible for the successful leadership, development, and health of the Commission, maintaining a strong community presence, and the enforcement of the Fair Practices Ordinance and accompanying civil rights laws. The Executive Director oversees all divisions and services of the Commission, while ensuring adherence to the vision and mission statements adopted by the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR). While this job description outlines duties of the PCHR, it presumes to include overseeing the FHC staff, reporting to the FHC Commissioners, and interacting with City departments and outside stakeholders on housing issues as well.

Essential Functions

• Ensures the success of the PCHR in the provisions of services, enforcement of the Fair Practices Ordinance (FPO) and other civil rights laws, and staff leadership.
• Collaborates with City Departments and Agencies and reports to Mayor’s Chief of Staff
• Manages public image of the organization and collaborates with the Commissioners, staff and outside interested parties for the benefit of the PCHR and the advancement of equal rights for people in the community
• Provides guidance and direction to the PCHR’s Deputy Directors, Supervisors, and staff in all areas of operation, but particularly in enforcement of the Fair Practices Ordinance 
• Ensures effective internal systems and processes, including developing, coordinating, and maintaining effective community collaboration 
• Provides information and status reports to the Commissioners and consults with the Chairperson on all matters impacting the mission of the PCHR and the success, development, and welfare of the Commission
• Oversees community event planning and ensures positive relations with all interested parties
• Represents the PCHR and its constituency groups at designated meetings; community events; and advocacy and community education activities.  Assigns Deputy Directors, Supervisors, and staff to represent the PCHR and attend meetings as needed
• Ensures the accuracy, completion and timeliness of all required documentation and reports assigned
• Performs all duties necessary to fully comply with any contracts or work-sharing agreements with partner agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC)  
• Works on legislative and policy issues relevant to the PCHR
• Drafts and files responses to appeals from FHC final orders
• Enters necessary notes following hearings in case management system, runs reports via database, and tracks cases, schedule, and deadlines as needed
• Creates educational materials about the Fair Housing Ordinance and other relevant laws, including trainings for landlord and tenant groups

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or professional equivalency in Public Policy, Administration or a related field (Applicable life or professional experience can be substituted for educational requirements). 
• Four years of professional work experience with at least two years in a supervisory and administrative position, with demonstrated knowledge of civil rights. 
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills (written and verbal) and the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously are required. 
• This position requires local, and at times, state, national, and overnight travel.
• Computer literacy skills necessary.
• Bilingual skills and American Sign Language are desired. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have exceptional interpersonal skills and be able to deal with differing personalities on a daily basis.
• Must have ability to interact with people on all levels of the organization in a professional manner.
• Must have effective and professional communication skills (verbal and written).
• Must have proven organizational skills. Must be able to independently prioritize.
• Public interaction: must be able to maintain positive interactions with the public, complainants, respondents, their representatives. Must uphold the tenants of the Fair Practices Ordinance.
• Ability to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
• Demonstrates personal integrity, credibility, and flexibility within the scope of the job responsibilities.
• Demonstrates understanding and endorsement of equal rights of all City residents and support of PCHR mission, vision, and goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to understand, interpret, and uphold PCHR rules and policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to evaluate options, make decisions and accept accountability within the scope of job responsibilities.
• Demonstrates the ability to collect, retrieve and manipulate computerized data and possess excellent research skills.
• Appropriate confidentiality of case information is required at all times.

Please attach a cover letter and resume in the additional attachments section. Applications without all 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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