With a workforce of over 25,000 people 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 residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.  

Agency Description

The mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure that Philadelphia is a globally competitive city to which employers flock, entrepreneurs thrive, and innovation abounds; to recruit and retain a diverse set of businesses; to foster economic opportunities for all Philadelphians in all neighborhoods; and to partner with workforce development programs and local businesses on talent development ensuring that all Philadelphians can find and retain living-wage jobs.

Salary: $48,000

The Business Financial Resources Manager (BFRM) provides planning, analysis, monitoring and technical support services for small businesses throughout Philadelphia in order for them to open, grow, and prosper. The BFRM oversees the InStore Forgivable Loan Program including outreach & marketing, application review, correspondence with applicants & partner organizations, and participation in the review committee. BFRM also oversees the Commerce Department relationship with Kiva in order to assist small businesses applying for Kiva funding. The BFRM will also work with their supervisor to track outcomes of programs.

Essential Functions: 

• Manage the InStore Forgivable Loan Program
• Conduct outreach with neighborhood and business groups to publicize the program
• Meet with potential applicants to discuss the application process
• Review submissions for completeness and consistency with program goals
• Correspond with applicants
• Make recommendations to review committee and participates in application reviews
• Track outcomes and conduct follow up interviews
• Manage Kiva partnership
• Serve as point of contact for potential borrowers, trustees, and Kiva
• Review incoming submissions and work with borrowers to craft their message
• Work with Kiva to post loan requests on the Kiva website
• Promote posted loan requests across all Commerce platforms, social media, and with Commerce partners
• Outreach & Marketing
• Meet with Commerce partners to market InStore, Kiva, Capital Consortium, and other Commerce programs
• Develop marketing materials including written flyers & postcards, blog posts, and newsletter articles
• Coordinates Coffee Chats with Commerce with partner organizations

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in one of the following areas: economics, business administration, economic development, finance, public administration, or city planning.  Graduate degree in urban planning, economic development, business administration, or related field is preferred.
• Three years of experience in economic development project analysis, planning or monitoring.
• Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Deputy Director of Commerce, which has included a bachelor’s degree as an educational minimum.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of economics and the techniques of economic analysis including knowledge of financial statements and basic underwriting criteria.
• Project planning methods and techniques.
• Physical, social and economic structure of the City’s neighborhoods.
• Foreign language proficiency a plus
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, governmental agencies, civic, community and business groups and the general public.
• Analyze complex problems and reach sound conclusions.
• Present ideas effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Enlist support and generate cooperation in the implementation of economic development projects and activities.
• Work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Successful candidate must be a City resident within six months of hire

Please submit a resume and cover letter.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx