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 Health and Human Services Cabinet (HHS) is comprised of the Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbilty Services (DBHIDS), Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO), Office of Homeless Services, and Department of Public Health (PDPH).  In addition, HHS manages the Mayor’s Commission on Aging (MCOA), a Data Management Office and an Audit Unit. The mission of the Cabinet is to ensure the health and wellbeing, safety, and appropriate supports for all Philadelphians, particularly the most vulnerable children and adults.

The Health and Human Services (HHS) Policy Director provides strategic policy direction and implementation support to increase the effectiveness of the Health and Human Services Cabinet and the agencies that compose the Cabinet.  The Policy Director reports to the HHS Deputy Managing Director.

Essential Functions

• Assist Cabinet to address common areas of concern through advocacy, policy and regulatory improvements, and changes in practice. Such areas may include improving access to income/entitlements; reducing poverty; securing safe and affordable housing; securing job training and access to employment; improving physical and behavioral health; and reducing racial disparities.
• Support the City’s recovery from the COVID pandemic by identifying and helping sustain new practices developed during the pandemic that will enable the Cabinet to increase its effectiveness.
• Assist with identification of potential new resources from the public and private sector, and completion of major grant/proposal fundraising and similar activities.
• Identify opportunities to increase the impact of each agency in the Cabinet through the use of integrated data, shared efforts, pooling of resources, coordinated planning, and other strategies.
• Assist other team members to support individual Cabinet agencies by sharing information; connecting agencies to critical resources; helping research opportunities and developing and maintaining strong systems.
• Help represent the HHS team with high-level elected and other officials, as assigned and appropriate.
• Support other HHS team members by contributing to efforts in areas such as communications, finance, compliance, and additional supports to Cabinet member agencies.
• Supervise or assist with supervising other staff, interns, and VISTAs.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Education and Experience

• 7-10 years of experience working in the public sector at federal, state, and/or local level
• Experience managing complex policy and/or organizational change efforts
• Experience working in the nonprofit sector is desirable
• A Master’s Degree in business or public administration, social services or related field. Equivalent experience can be substituted.

Competencies, Skills and Abilities

• Deep familiarity with federal and state resources and policies in the areas of health and human services
• Understanding of organizational structure of public agencies and the non-profit sector
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to work with a diverse set of stakeholders, both internal and external
• Strong interpersonal relationship skills; ability to be a great team member and to work independently, as appropriate
• Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective
• Tech savvy with experience and fluency in office software programs

Please attach a resume and writing sample 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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