Director of Strategic Planning - Police

The Director of Strategic Planning plays a critical role in translating the Philadelphia Police Department's strategic vision into action, ensuring that the new five-year strategic plan and aligned major initiatives are coordinated, implemented effectively, and deliver measurable improvements in public safety and organizational performance. Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Planning, the Director will lead the implementation of the Department's strategic priorities and oversee the Project Management and Delivery Office (PMDO), manage a portfolio of high-impact initiatives, supervise the project management team, and ensure strategic priorities are translated into effective, measurable action across the Department.

Responsibilities

Lead implementation of the Department's Five-Year Strategic Plan and associated priority initiatives; Translate strategic goals into actionable implementation plans with defined milestones, timelines, and performance measures; Coordinate implementation across operational and administrative units; Identify opportunities to improve organizational effectiveness, operational performance, and service delivery; Advise executive leadership on implementation strategies, policy considerations, and emerging challenges; Lead and oversee the Department's Project Management and Delivery Office (PMDO); Supervise and provide leadership to the Department's project management team; Establish and maintain project management standards, governance structures, and implementation frameworks; Prioritize initiatives and allocate project management resources; Ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within scope, and aligned with objectives; Provide executive oversight for complex, cross-functional initiatives; Coordinate work across Department units, City departments, and external partners; Identify implementation risks, resolve barriers, and guide mitigation strategies; Provide guidance and mentorship to project managers; Develop systems to track implementation progress and measure outcomes; Use data analysis, dashboards, and performance metrics to monitor progress; Conduct program and project evaluations; Ensure consistent reporting on initiative progress to Department leadership; Prepare executive briefings, reports, and presentations on strategic plan implementation; Lead cross-department collaboration; Facilitate strategic planning sessions, implementation workshops, and working groups; Support organizational change management efforts; Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders; Promote adoption of best practices and continuous improvement; Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director on strategic planning and implementation priorities; Provide leadership, coaching, and professional development for project management staff; Support the development of policies, processes, and tools that strengthen project delivery; Lead special initiatives and assignments from the Executive Director or Police Commissioner

Requirements

Master's degree in public administration, public policy, business, Juris Doctor, or a related field; 7–10 years of relevant professional experience, including leadership of growing teams and complex cross-functional initiatives; Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, program management, and organizational change; Strong understanding of project and portfolio management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Scrum, Waterfall); Experience establishing or managing a Project Management Office (PMO/PMDO) or enterprise project delivery function; Experience with performance management systems, evaluation frameworks, and data-driven decision-making; Familiarity with public sector budgeting, policy development, and regulatory compliance; Strategic communications and stakeholder engagement practices; Strategic leadership and organizational problem-solving; Strong team leadership, coaching, and management skills; Ability to translate complex operational and policy challenges into actionable initiatives; Portfolio management and prioritization of competing initiatives; Strong facilitation, executive communication, and stakeholder management skills; Proficiency with Microsoft Project, Microsoft Office Suite, and related project management tools; Ability to lead complex initiatives within large, multi-layered organizations; Ability to manage and prioritize a portfolio of initiatives across competing operational needs; Ability to build trust and foster collaboration across internal and external stakeholders; Ability to navigate ambiguity while maintaining strategic focus and accountability; Ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, operational staff, and external partners; Ability to promote equitable and effective systems, policies, and organizational practices; The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Nice to have

Project Management Professional (PMP), Lean Six Sigma, or related certification; Experience supervising project managers or managing a project management office; Experience working in government, public safety, or large public sector organizations; Preferred domain expertise in financial and policy initiatives, communications initiatives, talent and organizational development, and technology and data initiatives

Benefits

Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA's Key Advantage program; 8 weeks of paid parental leave; Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents; Wellness program with eligibility for discounted medical plan; Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; Generous retirement savings options; Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program; Tuition discounts and scholarships of 10% to 40% through partner colleges and universities