A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact. 

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What We Offer:

  Impact - The work you do here matters to millions. 

  Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it? 

  Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

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.

The Director of Business Development: Strategic Technology Initiatives is responsible for a portfolio of specific projects with the core of the function being business development. Within this role, the candidate is expected to execute strategy for attraction and retention efforts of the technology sector. In addition to business development initiatives the following is a sampling of responsibilities the candidate would be expected to perform:

• Managing a pipeline of new attraction and retention business leads, focusing on the technology industry; documenting progress in Project CRM database.
• Establishing a leadership role in coordination with other economic development partners to aide in the development of Philadelphia being a driving force to create opportunities for diverse communities to be a part of the tech community.
• Maintain working knowledge of industry trends, targeted business assistance opportunities, and financing/incentive programs appropriate to business sectors served.
• Fostering and growing relationships with key companies in the Tech and Innovation community that contribute to ecosystem locally and regionally. 
• Developing and growing strategic partnerships with local startup and tech affinity groups, co-working spaces, incubators, acceleration, investors, etc.
• Collaborating with Commerce’s Communication Team to coordinate the promotion of Venture Program, Startup PHL and related marketing initiatives for this sector.
• Convening a Tech Advisory Group to meet regularly and inform the City’s role in this sector.
• Representing the Department of Commerce at various trade shows, speaking engagements, special events and other marketing opportunities, as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required; Graduate degree in Business or related field preferred.
• Management of projects from initiation to completion with documented outcomes.
• 2+ years of demonstrated experience working within technology ecosystem.
• 5+ years of experience in public sector economic development.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written and computer communication skills are essential.
• Diplomacy and the ability to facilitate problem resolution.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and abilities to prioritize tasks and keep multiple projects moving simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite products. MS Word, PowerPoint and Client Management software essential

Salary Range: $70,040

Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample and reference letter with your application

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• We offer comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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 [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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