Job Description

Chief of Staff to the ACDHS Director

Employer: Community Family Advocates

Job Level: Executive/Senior Leadership

Reports to: Director of the Department of Human Services (DHS)

Supervises: Project Manager, Senior Public Affairs Officer (functional), Administrative Assistant (functional)

Position Purpose

The Chief of Staff (CoS) is a high-level operational leader and trusted advisor who acts as a force multiplier for the Director and the DHS executive leadership team. Serving as a core member of senior leadership, the CoS ensures the Director's vision, top priorities, and operational objectives are successfully executed across the department. The CoS serves as a primary proxy and designee for the Director, exercising delegated decision-making authority. Additionally, the CoS maintains direct oversight over the department's communications function to ensure cohesive, high-impact messaging that aligns with leadership goals.

If hired for this position, you would be an employee of our partner agency, Community Family Advocates working onsite at Allegheny County DHS.

Core Responsibilities

Priority Execution & Accountability: Oversee the implementation of the Director's top strategic initiatives and partner on department-wide strategic goal-setting. Scan for operational gaps, expedite high-priority projects, and communicate the Director’s clear expectations to prevent project drift. Investigate systemic organizational problems and hold office directors accountable to critical timelines.

Communications & Relationship Management: Provide direct operational and strategic oversight to the department's communications team responsible for managing marketing, media relations, and digital strategies. Create the Director’s executive communications plan and ensure all internal and external content aligns with their priorities. Translate complex information between the Director and staff to clarify goals and ensure successful delivery.

Executive Operations & Rhythm: Structure, design, and manage the rhythm of the business for the department, including setting agendas and driving outcomes for executive team meetings and global all-hands. Support the Director's daily productivity by overseeing the executive support team's tracking of their outstanding tasks, correspondence, and deadlines. Act as an executive conduit by reviewing submitted materials on the Director's behalf, advising staff on how to present products for review, and communicating whether the Director intends to approve a product or decision.

Leadership Proxy & Liaison: Act as a diplomatic proxy and liaison for the Director in internal and external engagements, ensuring outcomes align with department priorities. Work closely with all of the department's office directors as well as the County Executive and County Manager’s offices. Navigate complex dynamics to resolve friction, oversee responses

to constituent inquiries to enhance the Department's reputation, and handle politically sensitive, confidential, or interpersonal staff issues.

Required Skills and Qualities

Leadership & Confidentiality: Airtight ability to manage highly confidential or politically sensitive information with absolute discretion. Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. Adaptable to changing needs, highly organized, and skilled at creating order out of complex situations. A quick learner who is highly open to feedback and immediately implements it. Thrives in an executive support role but is fully capable of stepping into the foreground to make difficult decisions.

Communication & Relationships: Master-level written and verbal communication skills. Proven success building networks, uniting teams, acting as a facilitator, and influencing individuals without direct authority.

Analytical Thinking & Systems Navigation: Strategic, data-driven, and analytical mindset. Able to quickly grasp complex concepts, simplify information for various audiences, diagnose root problems, and proactively recommend process improvements. Possesses a deep understanding of the complexities of systems and a proven ability to effectively deliver results within the constraints of a bureaucratic structure.

Required Qualifications

Experience: 10+ years of progressive professional experience, including 3–5 years in a leadership role, executive communications management, public administration, or management consulting.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field required; Master’s degree is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience that meets the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Act 33 and 34 and FBI clearances, a valid driver's license, and access to a reliable vehicle.

Applicants are encouraged to apply before October 20, 2026