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

In June 2021, Mayor Kenney signed legislation establishing the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) as an independent agency responsible for overseeing the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) and replacing the Police Advisory Commission (PAC) in May 2022.

CPOC will adopt a multifaceted approach to police oversight, blending review-focused, investigation-focused, and auditor/monitor-focused models. It will possess broad authority and a comprehensive mission.

The creation of CPOC represents an unprecedented level of oversight for the PPD, one of the largest police departments in the U.S., with 6300 sworn members, 800 civilian personnel, and a $700 million budget.

The legislation authorizing CPOC enumerates its oversight functions, including investigations, data analysis, and audits related to PPD patterns, policies, and practices. These investigations cover various aspects of misconduct, training, policies, and more. CPOC will also handle complaints from residents and PPD personnel, conduct critical incident reviews, analyze large-scale data, make disciplinary recommendations, hold public meetings, participate in and prosecute cases at discipline hearings, and report on data and statistics, among other responsibilities.

To ensure effective oversight, CPOC will establish specialized units staffed by individuals with expertise in oversight, policing, and community-police relations, all dedicated to impartial and professional oversight of the PPD.

The Executive Director for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) serves as the chief executive and operating officer of the Commission and is responsible for the implementation of the Commission’s plans, policies, and strategies. This position reports to the Commission and is responsible for day-to-day management of the Commission’s functions, which includes governance of the Commission consistent with the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, §§ 3-100(e), 3-813, 4-2500 to 4-2503 and the Philadelphia Code, §§ 21-1200-1214 and applicable laws, to perform research, data collection and publication, policy analysis, outreach, investigations, report production, and other administrative tasks. The Executive Director currently oversees a staff of fourteen. However, it is expected that CPOC will grow significantly as the staff is built out to fulfill the CPOC Legislation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate closely with the Commission, particularly the Chair and other officers (when applicable), to carry out the functions of the Commission.
• Develop, initiate, and maintain strategies and tactics to complete objectives and goals defined by the Commission and its mission.
• Lead CPOC’s strategic planning process; develop process and internal policies related to strategic planning, tracking, and implementation of the strategic plan, as well as public reporting of CPOC’s strategic plan.
• Supervise staff to ensure professional and appropriate performance of duties consistent with City of Philadelphia human resources policies.
• Provide recommendations to the Commission for performance improvement, including potential changes to CPOC staff, policies, procedures, and oversee the drafting and editing of reports, studies, recommendations, and other Commission materials.
• Supervise the hiring of new staff, ensuring hiring and onboarding processes are consistent with City of Philadelphia human resources policies and the CPOC Legislation.
• Coordinate with City agencies, including but not limited to the Law Department and the Board of Ethics, to ensure Commission and staff adhere to all state and local ethics and financial disclosure requirements.
• Serve as liaison and maintain transparency between the Commission, local and state entities, and elected officials.
• Oversee the scheduling and participation of public Commission meetings, including facilitating public comment in compliance with relevant laws, and preparing meeting materials such as agendas, minutes, investigation materials, and other necessary documents.
• Maintain awareness of trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally, and provide guidance to the Commission, regarding best practices and trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally.
• Coordinate development of budget with the Commission and ensure proper and appropriate financial oversight and spending of funds allocated to the Commission.
• Schedule and coordinate executive sessions and ensure that a record of Commission investigations is created and maintained in accordance with applicable law.
• Prepare annual reports summarizing the Commission's achievements and recommendations in collaboration with the Commission for public distribution, and manage media inquiries, citizen inquiries or complaints, and Right to Know requests in coordination with the City standards.
• Oversee the Commission’s participation as rotating members of the PPD Police Board of Inquiry.

• Carry out any other relevant responsibilities or projects as assigned by the Commission.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Commitment to the mission of CPOC, to build accountability, transparency, and equity through civilian oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department.
• Awareness and understanding of the complex nature of community-police relations.
• Strong organizational management that sets clear expectations and reviews progress while fostering positive working relationships and environment.
• Strong coordination and project management skills with the ability to work across multiple departments, stakeholder organizations, and the public to implement policy or objectives.
• Good communication and listening skills; capable of effectively influencing others.
• Values and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion of thought, background, and perspective.
• Experience and fluency in Microsoft Office suite.
• Helpful, respectful, approachable, and team-oriented.
• Receptive to feedback.

• Legislation prevents the hiring of a previous officer of the Philadelphia Police Department, any current or previous member of a police union, and/or a current officer of a political party.
• 10+ years of relevant combined education and/or experience in related fields.
• 5+ years of experience in community engagement, particularly in a leadership or position of trust in the community.
• 3+ years managerial, supervisory, or executive experience.
• Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans.
• Significant experience working across governmental or non-governmental agencies to implement programs and policies.
• Practical understanding or research methods as it relates to developing policy.
• Familiarity with public relations.
• Supervisory experience with investigations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with police procedures, particularly procedures of the Philadelphia Police Department
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities of Philadelphia is a plus.
• Fluency in other languages (Bilingual/Trilingual) a plus.

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

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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