Chief Operating Officer, Philadelphia Department of Public Health

Posted by City of Philadelphia on December 17, 2024

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.

Job Description

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

Learn more and apply here.