With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Department of Commerce is the umbrella organization for all economic development activity in the city and coordinates the work of related agencies. From small shops to large corporations, Commerce sets and leads policies to help businesses thrive. The Office of Business Services (OBS) is a unit within Commerce that provides direct customer service and information to business owners. Business Service Managers act as a concierge service for business owners in the City of Philadelphia.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Department of Commerce is looking to add a new Business Service Manager to the team to focus on business corridors in the Upper North section of the City. The role of the Business Service Manager is to support and provide customer friendly service to businesses that operate within the City of Philadelphia. Each business manager is expected to take a proactive stance in the territories they service, identifying and implementing improvements to strengthen and grow the business environment.

SALARY - $50,000 per year

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• One on One business assistance
• Business outreach
  Establish and maintain community partnerships
• Serve as key point of contact for business owners looking for help in navigating City services and regulations. 
• Represent business concerns to other City agencies/departments
• Record and maintain business contacts and cases in the department database

Specific Duties:

• Outreach and communication with business owners in the targeted area, with focus on the commercial corridors in the middle neighborhoods of the Upper North District, including Wadsworth Avenue, Washington Lane, and Vernon Road.
• Establish relationships with existing businesses, Business Associations and other business related organizations to access and review needs in the area. Assist as needed in building the capacity of local business association.
• Learn and articulate the steps toward opening a business, regulations around permits and licenses, and other issues common to businesses operating in Philadelphia.
• Work closely with other units within Commerce and other City departments, i.e. City Planning, L&I, Revenue, Health, etc. to assist in implementation of plans for economic development or to find resolutions for outstanding issues.
• Track the progress of business client services and economic development projects through client management software.
• Clearly articulate resources and funding sources and refer businesses as appropriate.
• Represent the Office of Business Services through public speaking engagements, presentations, and workshops upon request.
• Plan and hold events to meet the needs of the targeted business community , i.e. workshops, presentations.
• Provide assistance to incoming callers through the Department’s “Customer Service Line”
• Contribute to the goals of the Department through creative initiatives that spur economic growth and community vitality.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Proficiency with multilingual and/or bilingual capacities is preferred. 
• Knowledge of small business operations. 
• Knowledge of City, State and Federal economic development programs.
• Knowledge of private agencies that service the business community through funding, technical support and other resources, i.e. banks, CDFIs, Small Business Development Centers, neighborhood nonprofits, etc. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of experience working with small business owners is preferred.
  

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.