Deputy Director, Strategic Partnerships/Chief of Staff

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 Human Resources (OHR) is an independent department that provides comprehensive human resources services in collaboration with City departments, agencies, boards, and commissions to attract and keep a talented and diverse workforce for the City of Philadelphia.

The City employs over 28,000 people in more than 1,000 different job categories. We are committed to developing careers that make a difference in the lives of others.

Our office:

• Promotes employee growth and development.
• Ensures a supportive work environment.
• Provides education and training programs.
• Manages employee benefits.

Makes sure employees understand City policies.

Position Summary:

The Deputy Director of Strategic Operations provides strategic and operational support to the Chief Human Resources Officers (CHRO) of the City of Philadelphia. This role is responsible for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Office of Human Resources by overseeing key functional areas such as exempt compensation, recruitment, and the medical evaluation unit. The Deputy Director ensures the alignment of HR initiatives with the City’s strategic goals, drives process improvements, and fosters a culture of continuous development and excellence.

The Deputy Director partners closely with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, department heads and commissioner to design and advance an HR strategic vision that improves the delivery of various programs and initiatives for the City of Philadelphia. This role serves as a catalyst for information sharing across the City to drive critical decision making and leadership through change. An employee in this role is responsible for creating strong partnerships with Departmental HR Leadership to provide support and ensure quality people services are provided throughout the organization.

Essential Functions:

1. Executive Support:

• Serve as the principal advisor and strategic partner to the CHRO, facilitating the execution of HR strategies and initiatives.
• Providing expert guidance to the CHRO on matters pertaining to policy, strategy, and operations.
• Prepare and review presentations, reports, and other documents for the CHRO.
• Proactively identifying opportunities for process improvements and efficiencies within the Office of Human Resources and throughout city departments and agencies, streamlining workflows to enhance productivity and effectiveness.
• Works in close partnership with the Deputy Director’s of Human Resources to ensure cohesive leadership and alignment across the department.
• Leads and conducts data analysis on various topics related to HR to inform strategic decision-making and enhance HR-practices.

2. Workforce Development:

• Oversee the design and implementation of workforce development programs to enhance employee skills and career growth.
• Collaborate with city departments to identify and address training needs, promoting continuous learning and development.
• Evaluate the impact of workforce development initiatives and refine programs based on feedback and performance data.

3. Recruitment:

• Direct the development of comprehensive recruitment strategies to attract and retain top talent for the City of Philadelphia.
• Ensure the recruitment process is efficient, transparent, and aligned with the City’s diversity and inclusion goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with educational institutions, professional organizations, and other key recruitment sources.

4. Medical Evaluation Unit:

• Oversee the Medical Evaluation Unit, ensuring the medical onboarding process for new employees is efficient and compliant with policies and regulations.
• Coordinate with the Medical Evaluation Unit and other external stakeholders to manage medical evaluations and clearances.
• Address any issues or delays in the medical evaluation process to ensure timely employee integration.

5. Administrative Oversight:

• Manage the daily operations of the Office of Human Resources, implementing policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency.
• Oversee budget planning, financial management, and resource allocation for the department.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal employment laws and regulations.

6. Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serving as a liaison between the CHRO and internal/external stakeholders, cultivating strong relationships and facilitating communication to support collaborative decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Prepare communications, reports, and presentations for diverse audiences, including senior leadership, department heads and City Council.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment within the Office of Human Resources.
• Coordinates key projects and initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and consistent communication across all HR functions.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Public Sector Management: Knowledge in developing, interpreting, and implementing policies that align with goals and needs
• Strategic Planning: Knowledge of strategic planning processes and how to align HR initiatives with organizational goals.
• Organizational Development: Understanding of organizational development principles, including change management, talent management, and performance improvement.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Proficiency in data analysis, report writing, and the ability to interpret complex information to inform strategic decisions.

Skills:

• Leadership and Management: Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive organizational change.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare and present high-level reports and presentations.
• Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional interpersonal skills, capable of building and maintaining relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Project Management: Advanced project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously and deliver results on time and within budget.
• Analytical Thinking: High-level analytical skills, with the ability to conduct in-depth analyses and develop actionable insights.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving abilities, capable of addressing complex HR challenges and identifying effective solutions.
• Time Management: Excellent time management and organizational skills, ensuring efficient prioritization and execution of tasks.

Abilities:

• Strategic Partnering: Ability to serve as a strategic partner to the CHRO and Deputy Director of Human Resources, providing expert guidance and support.
• Decision-Making: Capacity to make informed decisions that align with organizational goals and HR best practices.
• Process Improvement: Ability to identify opportunities for process improvements and implement changes to enhance operational efficiency.
• Confidentiality: Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering a culture of inclusiveness and teamwork.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and demands, maintaining a high level of effectiveness in a dynamic environment.
• Leadership Development: Capacity to mentor and develop leadership within the HR department, supporting continuous professional growth and development.

Experience: At least 8 years of experience in human resources or business strategy, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role overseeing teams and large-scale strategic initiatives. They should demonstrate a proven ability to develop and execute organizational strategies, lead cross-functional projects, and manage transformation efforts. Strong skills in data-driven decision-making, team leadership, and collaboration with senior leadership are essential.

Experience in a public sector or governmental setting is highly desirable.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

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

Salary Range: $135,000 - $155,000

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