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 Office of Reentry Partnerships (ORP) was formed in August 2019 and charged with elevating and organizing citywide reentry efforts and supporting the Kenney administration’s goals for violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and community reinvestment. ORP’s mission is to empower returning citizens, partner organizations, and the public to interrupt cycles of recidivism and build thriving communities. As Philadelphia’s hub for reentry referrals, resources, and training, the goals of the Office of Reentry Partnerships are to: 1) Set a clear vision and direction for a measurable citywide approach to improving reentry outcomes; 2) Drive and sustain an unprecedented level of coordination between the local government, other government partners, service providers, education and training programs, employers, and community members; and 3) ensure that City reentry initiatives are research- and data-driven. 

ORP is part of the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety (CJPS) in the Managing Director’s Office. Other offices in CJPS include the Office of Criminal Justice, Office of Violence Prevention, and Town Watch Integrated Services.

The Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety (CJPS) seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Office of Reentry Partnerships. This individual will be a direct report to the Senior Director of the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety and will be responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s plans, strategies, policies, and programs regarding reentry, with a special focus on reducing recidivism and improving public safety by ensuring that Philadelphians returning from incarceration have access to the necessary resources, supports, and opportunities. 

Essential Functions

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Senior Director of the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety and the Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Prisons regarding reentry policies and programs.
• Set a clear vision and direction for a comprehensive citywide approach to reentry, including the development of partnerships to create a citywide network of services that address a variety of social service needs among individuals returning from incarceration with a goal of reducing recidivism.
• Create sustainable, measurable improvement in reentry outcomes through a combination of policy, direct programs and services, systems building, convening, research, and partnerships, managing the budget of the Office of Reentry Partnerships accordingly.
• Serve as the Administration’s central point of contact for reentry initiatives internally and externally, building awareness of reentry issues, championing efforts to create better reentry outcomes, creating consistent messaging, and enhancing others’ capacity to leverage their resources toward shared strategic objectives related to reentry.
• Ensure that reentry strategies and initiatives are aligned with the vision of the Senior Director of the Office of Policy and Strategic Initiatives for Criminal Justice and Public Safety, the Managing Director, and the Mayor.
• Coordinate and align re-entry services and partnerships across CJPS and with other key City stakeholders such as the Health and Human Services Cabinet, the Commerce Department, and the Mayor’s Office.
• Coordinate pre and post-reentry services for people in custody and returning citizens.
• Monitor reentry investments and outcomes, including evaluation of current City-funded programs.
• Develop strategic priorities for new reentry-related initiatives and partnerships within the Office of Reentry Partnerships and across City departments and offices, as applicable.
• Work closely with other county criminal justice agencies and partners to facilitate strategic collaboration towards improved reentry outcomes across the criminal justice continuum.
• Facilitate collaboration among many other governmental and non-governmental partners, including but not limited to federal, state and local agencies, elected officials, community-based organizations, advocates, service providers, non-profits, academic and research institutions, employers and businesses, and others.
• Create and operationalize a culture of authentic and ongoing partnership with people, families, and communities most directly impacted by reentry and mass incarceration.
• Engage the philanthropic community to mobilize resources towards shared strategic objectives related to defined strategic reentry priorities.
• Utilize performance measures to drive decision-making and work to share data and analysis across agencies to foster collaboration. Use data to create a culture of accountability.
• Develop the capacity for the Office of Reentry Partnerships to be an effective systems convener, building cross-functional leadership between systems.
• Represent the City of Philadelphia in a variety of events and meetings with various internal and external stakeholders, as well as in the media.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

A successful candidate for this position is capable of operating effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced government office; understands the power of team-building internally and with cross-sector partners; and has a passion for ensuring that Philadelphians returning from incarceration have access to the resources, supports, and opportunities to achieve holistic economic, social, and physical well-being. 

• Deep practical and academic understanding of reentry issues, including significant knowledge and understanding of the barriers and challenges formerly incarcerated people (and their families and communities) frequently face; the intersections between reentry issues and behavioral health, workforce development, economic and community development, and anti-poverty efforts; and past and emerging trends in reentry policy. 
• A strong commitment to removing barriers and otherwise reforming policies, practices, and organizational culture in response to the needs articulated by communities most negatively impacted by mass incarceration. 
• Familiarity with the criminal justice, public health, social services, and workforce development systems (preferably in Philadelphia). 
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement impactful programs.  
• Strong organizational, analytical, leadership, management and negotiation skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully advise high-level decision-makers, including elected officials. 
• Demonstrated ability to successfully engage and partner with stakeholder groups from different sectors, build credibility, influence and mobilize others. 
• Experience with grant writing and management 
• Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to connect with multiple audiences. 
• Comfort working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from high-ranking government officials to individuals returning from incarceration. 
• Familiarity with the budget and legislative process. 
• Lead agency efforts to prepare testimony or testify, if necessary, with regards to reentry services and initiatives. 
• Ability to successfully communicate with/ through media. 
• Working knowledge of racial equity lenses and trauma-informed practices.

Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
•   A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience. 
•  Minimum of 7 years of experience in a public safety, criminal justice, social services, or public health organization, in a leadership position. 
• Minimum of 5 years managerial, supervisory, or executive experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years community engagement experience, with a demonstrated passion for engaging community members in work to improve their neighborhoods. 
• Experience implementing an evidence-based program 

Preferred: 

• Graduate degree in related field preferred.
• Experience in government or large organizations. 
• Prior experience successfully managing inter-departmental and/or cross-systems collaborations. 
• People who have been directly affected by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply. 

Salary Range: $115,000- $120,000

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references with your application. Applications without all items 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

#LI-OHR