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

Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability (OOS) is responsible for implementing Greenworks: A Vision for a Sustainable Philadelphia, the City’s comprehensive sustainability plan. OOS works with partners to improve the quality of life in all Philadelphia neighborhoods, reduce the city’s carbon emissions, and prepare Philadelphia for a hotter, wetter future.

OOS prioritizes professional growth and development across the team. Learning and capacity building occurs in an individual and team context. The entire team convenes regularly to strengthen skills and competencies through training, knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer support. In addition to all-staff development opportunities, team members create individualized professional development plans to develop specialized skills and explore areas of learning interest.

The Chief of Staff (CoS) reports to the City’s Chief Resilience Officer (CRO) and Director of the Office of Sustainability (OOS). This position provides advanced support to the CRO/Director and senior leadership of the Office of Sustainability.

The position reports directly to the CRO/Director and is responsible for providing strategic management and performance evaluations, public relations and communications management, and operations management for OOS. This includes serving as the principal administrative officer of OOS responsible for the implementation of an approximately $2 million budget that supports over 20 employees and contracted staff.

The CoS will serve on the executive leadership team and collaborate with Managing Director’s Office Deputies, their CoSs, Commissioners, and leadership from the Mayor’s Office. In addition, this position represents OOS at meetings when required and appropriate. The position requires a working knowledge of a wide array of government functions, operations, and advanced knowledge of the organization and culture of City government.

Essential Functions

Strategic Management and Performance Evaluation 

• Spearhead and lead cross-functional strategic initiatives, driving the work plan, milestones, and execution of such projects.
• Collaborate with the Director on developing these new program ideas and pilot projects and on integrating successful pilots into OOS’s program portfolio. 
• Providing leadership in identifying opportunities for growth
• Leads measurement and evaluation activities with a focus on the creation of an organizational dashboard for impact and progress toward strategic goals
• Leads the development and oversee implementation of the strategic plan/framework for the organization, and the detailed current year operating plan
• Work with OOS to develop and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop and distribute relevant reports.
• Serve as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the CRO/Director, standing in on meetings, challenging ideas and offering a different perspective, and following up on action items with the team accordingly.

Public Relations and Communications Management 

• Oversee strategic communications including the strategy, execution, and delivery modes.
• Collaborate on the development of press releases and other media communications.
• Coordinate responses to inbound media inquiries.
• Manage communication team and coordinate with appropriate staff to develop deliverables including social media and website content.
• Represent the OOS at public events and deliver presentations as needed.
• Plan and implement strategic communications, including a restructure of the organization’s communications portfolio, strategy, execution, and delivery modes.
• Providing department leaders with recommendations and consultation to improve teamwork.
• Responding to inquiries on behalf of the CRO/Director.

Operations Management 

• Provide daily support to the CRO/Director, including tracking follow-up and attending meetings on behalf of the CRO/Director or other senior leaders, as assigned.
• Work with Office’s leadership to ensure execution preparation for important internal and external meetings and events.
• Oversee daily operations through collaboration with executive team members and senior management, performing an array of administrative tasks from managing calendars, generating correspondence.
• Monitor and response to emerging needs and interests among key stakeholders such as clients, government, philanthropy, and employers.
• Promote team integration as well as cross-functional communication and collaboration.
• Serve as the budget officer for OOS. This involves budget writing, forecasting, accounting, and management of accounts payable and receivable.
• Responsible for accounts payable, contracts and grants management, human resources as well as other administrative duties, including diversity and inclusion.
• Provide professional assistance and project management on various duties as assigned by the CRO/Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated achievement in areas such as driving complex projects to completion, building collaborative networks and teams, managing sensitive relationships and projects, bringing order and rigor to dynamic, high-stakes initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to excel in fast-paced and fast-growing organizations with strong, diverse, and ambitious cultures.  
• Excellent communicator, written and verbal, to internal and external audiences. 
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills and professional demeanor.
• Working knowledge of human resources practices and City administrative processes and procedures. Strong knowledge of City budgeting processes and procedures.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Experience with developing and managing budgets and financial plans.
• Working knowledge of the Home Rule Charter, Philadelphia Code, and City organizational structure.
• Exemplary attention to detail.
• Ability to multi-task, perform independent research, and manage multiple projects on tight timelines
• Must be able to manage direct reports who oversee other units.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.

• Approximately 5-7 years of experience, including senior-level management, strategic planning, or operations roles in at least one of the following: growing non-profit, technology company, government, management consulting, other businesses, or academia.
• Strong working knowledge of Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other common software applications.
•  Minimum of 2 years working in or adjacent to local government preferred
• Experience working in the environmental and climate field preferred

Additional Information

• OOS is committed to building the capacity of staff members. In addition to access to external trainings, certifications, or other professional development opportunities, learning also occurs in a shared setting. All team members jointly participate in exploring new concepts, resources, and skills. The entire OOS team convenes regularly to strengthen skills and competencies through knowledge exchange, resource sharing, and peer-to-peer support.
• Staff further build skills and knowledge through mentoring with members of the senior leadership team and peer-to-peer mentoring. Staff receive guidance and coaching from other OOS staff as well as other partners based on professional growth interests.
• Cover letters and other supporting documents will be accepted but not required.

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

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000 

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (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

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

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