Deputy Director, Behavioral Health Services (0943 Manager VIII)

Tackling the behavioral health and homelessness crisis is one of DPH’s highest priorities. Behavioral Health Services (BHS) advances this mission by expanding treatment and recovery capacity, improving timely access to care, and shaping services around the needs of clients and communities. 

Major policy changes and public investments give BHS new opportunities to accelerate this work. They create the potential to strengthen the system behind care and make lasting improvements in how San Franciscans access and experience behavioral health services. 

DPH is seeking an impact-driven Deputy Director for Strategy, Policy, and Operations to help BHS realize this opportunity. The Deputy Director will shape how BHS puts strategy and investment into practice, bringing together divisional resources and partnerships to advance major priorities and strengthen the support behind care. 

About the Role

The Deputy Director serves as a senior BHS executive responsible for advancing divisional strategy, policy, and operations. 

Working with the BHS Director and other Deputy Directors, the position leads strategic budgeting, priority implementation, grant and restricted-fund administration, divisional resource planning, coordination of BHS communications and external affairs, and Behavioral Health Commission support. 

The Deputy Director works at the divisional level, partnering with DPH’s centralized functions to secure the financial, workforce, technology, facilities, contracting, and other support needed to advance BHS priorities. Success requires sound judgment, political acumen, strategic budgeting expertise, and the ability to build alignment and achieve results across BHS, DPH, City departments, State agencies, elected officials, and community partners. 

Key Responsibilities

Advance Strategy and Priorities 

• Turn BHS priorities into clear plans, defined accountability, measurable outcomes, and consistent follow-through. 

• Lead high-priority policies, grants, investments, and divisional initiatives from planning through implementation. 

• Use data and performance information to measure progress, identify risks, and remove barriers. 

Align Divisional Resources and Operations 

• Align BHS staffing and hiring plans, facilities needs, contracts, funding, and other divisional resources with client needs, strategic priorities, and mandated timelines. 

• Lead BHS divisional planning and coordinate with DPH’s enterprise finance, human resources, information technology, facilities, capital planning, and contracting functions to advance BHS priorities. 

• Strengthen the divisional operations that allow clinical and program leaders to focus on access, capacity, and quality of care. 

Lead Strategic Budgeting and Funding 

• Lead BHS strategic budget planning and coordinate with DPH Finance to align divisional resources with BHS priorities. 

• Direct divisional planning and administration of Behavioral Health Services Act funding, opioid settlement funds, State and federal grants, and other restricted revenues. 

• Connect funding requirements and investment decisions to equity priorities, mandated services, and intended outcomes. 

• Ensure that required financial, programmatic, and performance reports are timely, accurate, and complete. 

Coordinate BHS Communications and Partnerships 

• Coordinate BHS-specific communications with DPH External Affairs, including communications with elected officials, government agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholders. 

• Coordinate internal communications so BHS leaders and staff receive clear and timely information about divisional priorities, decisions, implementation, and progress. 

• Direct support for the Behavioral Health Commission and ensure timely and responsive engagement. 

• Build alignment across BHS, DPH, City departments, the State, and community partners and represent BHS before public and governmental bodies. 

The Deputy Director of Behavioral Health Services (0943) may perform other duties as assigned or required. 

Why This Role Matters

This role provides the divisional leadership needed to put major policy and funding priorities into practice. By aligning resources, removing barriers, and strengthening supports, the Deputy Director helps clinical and program leaders expand capacity, improve access, advance equity, and deliver better outcomes for San Franciscans.