The Managing Director is the Cabinet-level executive who directly supervises several of the City's operating departments. With the aid of five Deputy Mayors and their support staff, the Managing Director's Office (MDO) provides oversight, support and assistance to these departments.

These tasks are accomplished by prioritizing and communicating key administrative initiatives, monitoring and analyzing the departments' performance and progress, and by serving as a catalyst to encourage cooperation and collaboration. In addition, this office is responsible for organizing and supervising major interdepartmental initiatives and special events.

By overseeing programs such as the 3-1-1 Contact Center, PhillyStat, Town Watch Integrated Services, Global Philadelphia and special events such as the annual Sunoco Welcome America Festival, the MDO enables operating departments to enhance their service delivery City-wide.