With a workforce of over 25,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.   
 

AGENCY INFORMATION

The mission of the Department of Public Health is to protect and promote the health of all Philadelphians and to provide a safety net for the most vulnerable so that Philadelphia is a healthy place to live, work, and play. In addition to person- and community-centered prevention programs and health care, PDPH is responsible for environmental health through air quality/pollution control. The Medical Examiner’s Office is also embedded in PDPH. 
 

The department provides the following services:

• High-quality medical care at City health centers.
• Prevents the spread of illness and infectious disease
• Encourages healthy behaviors to prevent chronic disease
• Protects against environmental hazards
• Plans and responds to health emergencies
• Sets health policy
• Collects, analyzes, and reports on a variety of public health data 

The Commissioner of PDPH will inherit and lead a department that is at the forefront of addressing multiple crises including COVID-19, substance use disorder, and gun violence. Working in partnership with other City agencies, public sector and private sector partners, the Department uses a public health approach to prevent and control disease. A staff of 1000 works across 12 divisions to plan and implement these efforts. The PDPH budget is more than $668,000,000. 
 
The Department works closely with other agencies addressing the social determinants of health within the Health & Human Services Cabinet of the Managing Director’s Office. The Commissioner provides a programmatic vision that results in a system that is easily accessible and offers a comprehensive and culturally competent client-centered and community-based focus. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Establishment of administrative, policy, program and fiscal direction for the components of PDPH.
• Assure coordination of services to insured, Medicaid and uninsured individuals requiring services.
• Development of annual plans and budgets to federal, state, and local government.
• Responsibility for fostering integrated approaches to service delivery through partnerships with other City agencies such as the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, Office of Children and Families, Office of Homeless Services and the Managing Director’s Office of Criminal Justice and Public Safety, as well as community stakeholders. 

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Interrelationships between other social determinants of health, such as behavioral health, human services, homeless programs, the criminal justice system and the public education system.

Skills in:

• Unflappable leadership skill.
• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, noted for clarity.
• Strong interpersonal skills that support a collegial style of leadership.
• Decisive abilities that support the vision.
• Ability to function within a political environment.
• Strong fiscal practices that reflect appropriate fiscal discipline but leverages resources.

Ability to:

• Establish the organization as a cohesive unit of multiple divisions and programs
• Develop a client centered and community informed programmatic and clinical vision for the system.
• Develop and improve access to services and a comprehensive service system and, enhance the services across the lifespan and across the organization.
• Develop standards that address quality of services and standards of care that are widely accepted.
• Develop and enhance the cultural competency and capacity of the private provider system and community.
• Integrate organization-wide project management, strategic planning and quality improvement principles 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• M.D., or O.D. degree in a health discipline
• 10+ years’ experience in a senior management role in a state or local program involved in the provision, development or oversight of healthcare and related services.
• Experience with public health policies, principles and approaches.
• Experience working within government and with elected officials, constituents and advocacy organizations.
• Experience working in an urban environment and a demonstrated appreciation for cultural, ethnic and racial diversity.
• Experience managing organizational and cultural changes of systems.
• Reputation for innovation, bold leadership, vision and a commitment to partnership service delivery models. 

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 the Human Relations Website. 

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