Deputy Executive Director - City of Philadelphia

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 to authorize the Citizens Police Oversight Commission (CPOC) to become a new, independent agency responsible for conducting oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD). This legislation allowed for the previous oversight agency for the Philadelphia Police Department, the Police Advisory Commission (PAC), to transition into CPOC following the seating of the 9 Commissioners, in May 2022.

Civilian oversight of police can take many forms. Review-focused models allow civilians outside of a police department to review police misconduct investigations once they are completed. Investigation-focused agencies employ professionally trained investigators to investigate police misconduct complaints. Auditor/monitor-focused agencies engage in policy and trend analysis and promote broad organizational change within the police departments they oversee. CPOC is uniquely envisioned to be a hybrid of these three models of oversight, with expansive authority and a broad mission.

Although civilian oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department has existed in some form for many years, the new CPOC will bring an unprecedented level of oversight to police operations. This will be a vast undertaking - the PPD is the fourth largest police department in the country, with over 6300 sworn members and 800 civilian personnel and a budget over $700 million.

The authorizing legislation for CPOC comprehensively lists the oversight functions that CPOC will fulfill. The legislation notes that CPOC may conduct investigations, data analysis, and audits related to any pattern, policy, or practice of the police department. These investigations shall include, but are not limited to, misconduct, policy, training, practice, and customs. Additional functions include investigations of complaints made by residents or PPD personnel about any misconduct ranging from verbal abuse to sexual misconduct, critical incident reviews and investigations, large-scale data reviews, disciplinary recommendations, hosting public meetings and hearings to share information with the public, participation as adjudicators in PPD discipline hearings, administrative prosecution of discipline cases, reporting on data and statistics, and reviewing and investigating all police uses of force, among other functions.

CPOC will approach police accountability from many different angles, and as such, CPOC will have a variety of units to focus on different aspects of police oversight. Each unit will require specialized staff with a deep understanding of policing and community-police relations. CPOC will be composed of staff dedicated to professional, unbiased, and thoughtful oversight of the Philadelphia Police Department.

The Deputy Executive Director for the Citizens Police Oversight Commission serves as the chief thought partner, strategy advisor, and chaos tamer for the Executive Director. The Deputy Executive Director is responsible for the implementation and support of the Executive Director’s plans, policies, and strategies. This position reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the office functions, which includes policy research, outreach, investigations, report production, and other administrative tasks.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership to carry out the functions of the Commission.
• Engage the community to facilitate communication and understanding between the public and the police.
• Maintain awareness of trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally.
• Provide support and advice to the Executive Director, as needed, regarding best practices and trends in community-police relations and police reform nationally.
• Serve as liaison between the Executive Director, local and state entities, elected officials, other stakeholders and the public as needed.
• Appear in person and virtually at public Commission meetings to support the Executive Director and the agency.
• Develop, initiate, and maintain strategies and tactics to complete objectives and goals defined by the Executive Director.
• Co-develop and Co-lead with the Executive Director CPOC’s strategic planning process; develop process and internal policies related to strategic planning, tracking and implementation of the strategic plan, and the public reporting of CPOC’s strategic plan. 
• Coordinate the drafting and editing of reports, studies, recommendations, and other agency materials.
• Attend and participate in all Commission meetings and provide information to the public and Commission as to policy, investigations, financial/administrative, or performance information.
• Supervise staff to ensure professional and appropriate performance of duties consistent with City of Philadelphia human resources policies.
• Assist the Executive Director with the hiring of new staff, ensuring hiring and onboarding processes are consistent with the City of Philadelphia human resources policies and the CPOC Legislation.
• Make recommendations to the Executive Director to improve performance, including proposed changes to CPOC staff and/or policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership, mediation, and training of staff in diversity, equity, and inclusion policies and practices.
• Coordinate the development of the budget with the Executive Director and ensure proper and appropriate financial oversight and spending of funds allocated to the Commission.
• Coordinate with the Executive Director in handling media inquiries, citizen inquiries or complaints.
• Assist in preparing the annual report setting out the Commission’s accomplishments and recommendations in coordination with the Commission for public distribution.
• Oversee the commission’s participation as rotating members of the PPD Police Board of Inquiry.
• Effectively collaborates with his/her counterpart at IAD for efficient operations between both offices.
• Maintain effective community relations and work effectively with residents, business and community organizations, public and private agencies, Police Department personnel, the Commissioner of Police, the City Solicitor, the City Council, and the Mayor.
• Work effectively under pressure.
• Acts and performs the duties of the Executive Director in her/his absence.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Executive Director.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES. 

• Awareness and understanding of the complex nature of community-police relations.
• Awareness and working knowledge of institutional racism and its impact on community-police relations.
• Strong organizational manager who sets clear expectations and reviews progress.
• Strong coordination skills with the ability to work across multiple departments, stakeholder organizations, and the public to implement a policy or objective.
• Good communication and listening skills, capable of influencing others and keeping others informed.
• Values and encourages diversity, equity and inclusion of thought, background, and perspective.
• Experience and fluency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Helpful, respectful, approachable and team-oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.
• Receptive to feedback.

• 10 years of relevant combined education and/or experience in related field is preferred.
• 5 years of experience in community engagement, particularly in a leadership or position of trust in the community is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years managerial, supervisory, or executive experience is preferred.
• Significant experience working across governmental or non-governmental agencies to implement programs and policies is preferred.
• Familiarity with police procedures, particularly procedures of the Philadelphia Police Department is preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in racial equity work.
• Proven ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans is preferred.
• Familiarity with public relations is preferred.
• Practical understanding or research methods and developing and implementing policy is preferred.
• Fluency in other languages is not a requirement, but a plus.
• Knowledge of Philadelphia and the communities of Philadelphia is a plus.
• Any other combination of skills and experience deemed appropriate by the Executive Director.

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

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx