With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth 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.

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.

Benefits - We care about your wellbeing.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

This position sits within the Mayor’s Office of Policy, Legislation, and Intergovernmental Affairs. This office ensures the policy and legislative priorities of the Mayor are organized, well researched, and implemented through legislative or administrative action. The Office strives to integrate evaluation, including randomized field experiments, into government action so that testing, iterating, and improving becomes standard practice. In addition, the Office works with the Mayor and City Council to set legislative and policy priorities, and works to implement best practices in partnership with key program stakeholders, and with experts both internal and external to government. 

The Mayor’s Policy Office leads GovLabPHL, a community of City employees and academic researchers dedicated to creating opportunities to learn and practice evidence-based methods. We collaboratively explore ways in which government can best serve residents by supporting City agencies looking to address challenges through the practical use of data and research. The mission of GovLabPHL is to foster a culture in government of evidence-based policy and data-driven decision making. 

We are looking for a civically minded and highly organized person with a passion for data-driven decision making and improving city government. This individual will serve as a key contributor to the team and the city at large and will be responsible for continuing and expanding the culture of collaboration, partnership, and delivery of high-quality support throughout the city.

Essential Functions

In this role, you will:

• Support meetings to advance the Mayor’s priority initiatives—such as the City’s efforts to increase access to the Child Tax Credit and other benefits, prevent gun violence, and advance racial equity—including by supporting planning, scheduling, preparation of materials, note-taking, and organizing and tracking follow-ups
• Develop and manage tools to track project progress and stay organized
• Communicate with agency partners and key stakeholders, both internal and external to government.
• Conduct policy research, literature review, and other forms of information-gathering and analysis to creatively inform City policies and programs.
• Help prepare presentations, policy memos, and other written materials
• Collaborate on policy, priority initiatives, and research projects as part of the Mayor’s Policy Office portfolio
• Proactively provide ideas and critical feedback—as well as being open to such constructive dialogue—as part of constantly improving the Mayor’s Policy Office and its collective work output.

Competencies, knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Excellent communicator: Ability to explain technical concepts to general audiences, explain the logic behind research decisions, craft compelling narratives about research design, write and speak clearly, and cultivate effective communication among team members.
• Relationship-builder: Ability to work with a variety of people and personalities, listen and ask questions to identify new research opportunities, and cultivate strong relationships to ensure seamless collaboration and continued project support.
• Curious: Ability to practice active listening, ask questions to get at the root of a problem, be open to receiving/giving constructive feedback, and have a sincere interest in learning new skills or growing old ones.
• Compassionate: Ability to turn research insights into actionable solutions that address people’s real needs ethically and with integrity.
• Rigorous: Driven by thoughtful, quality, and detail-oriented processes, project output, and client/team interactions.
• Organized: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, estimate timelines, rework a project approach based on unforeseen challenges, work well under pressure, and set/meet reasonable deadlines.
• Action-oriented: Ability to see opportunities, navigate barriers, be self-directed, and problem-solve solutions that enhance the City’s deliverables, processes, and practices.
• Broad-spectrum: Knows enough about the basics of social sciences and research processes to effectively collaborate across disciplines.
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback.
• Amplifier: Ability to amplify others’ strengths and successes and operate beyond ego and self-interest.

• Experience in local government or at least one field of relevance such as psychology, sociology, economics, public policy, urban design, criminal justice, or other related fields.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of racial equity and inclusion principles and experience with their application
• Interest in and/or familiarity with applied research, including statistical research methods, experimental research design, qualitative research, and/or program evaluation is a plus
• Education: At a minimum, a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably in psychology, sociology, political science, statistics, economics, mathematics, or another social science field.
• Experience: One to three years of relevant experience which includes coordinating multi-stakeholder projects and managing relationships

Salary- $60,000

The City of Philadelphia is interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the role. We recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and that many skill-sets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

What We Offer:

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

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within six months of employment.

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

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