Chief Operating Officer

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 Philadelphia Department of Public Health
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health The Philadelphia Department of Public Health (PDPH), with some 900 staff and a budget of $350 million, promotes and protects the health of all Philadelphians and provides a safety net for the most vulnerable. PDPH leads programs to: prevent communicable diseases (including HIV, other STDs, tuberculosis, and vaccine-preventable diseases); prevent chronic diseases and injuries and promote healthy behaviors; prevent environmental health risks; investigate outbreaks of disease; respond to public health emergencies; and promote the health of women, children, and families. In addition, PDPH operates eight primary care clinics. Recently, PDPH has participated with other City agencies in responding to Philadelphia’s opioid crisis and to the COVID-19 pandemic. PDPH has been an innovator in public health, pursuing novel policies to prevent and mitigate disease and injury, and intends to continue that tradition with creative solutions to both long-standing urban health problems and new crises.

Position Summary
The PDPH Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of PDPH’s executive team responsible for carrying out the mission and strategic priorities of the department. This position is responsible for managing the budgetary, financial and operational needs of the department. This position also oversees the financial operations of the department including contracting, purchasing and accounts payable, as well as take the lead on financial audits and reporting. Preparation of the department’s annual operating, target and capital budgets are a crucial component of this position and requires the position to meet with stakeholders, review and analyze historical patterns, as well as forecast future needs. The position will report to Health Commissioner and work closely with the Deputy Commissioners and the Chief of Staff, and requires excellent supervisory, organizational, interpersonal communication skills, and writing skills, as well as strong problem solving and analytical skills.

Essential Functions

• Finance and accounting, including revenue, accounts payable, and grants management. • Forecasting, analysis, and budgeting, including working with the Health Commissioner, the Division Directors and the City’s Budget Office to develop budgets for the department’s 16 divisions that are consistent with the agency’s public health priorities, and then working within the agency to assure that expenditures are consistent with budgets.
• Contract and Professional Services administration.
• Grants compliance and fiscal reporting, including ensuring that grant requirements are met, and appropriate reports are submitted to grantors.
• Grant writing and quality assurance.
• Fiscal compliance; and
• Capital planning and facility relocations

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Financial planning and accounting skills
• Excellent supervisory skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Self-motivated with the ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks

• BA in business, finance or accounting, MBA preferred
• Advanced knowledge of state and federal requirements on grants and financial reporting
• 5-10 years of relevant experience in financial management, including experience in senior management.
• Public health or healthcare administration experience
• A Masters in Public Health preferred

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

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