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.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of Children and Families (OCF) aligns the City’s policies, resources, and services for children and families. Our priorities are:

• Safe children.
• Strong families.
• Supported schools and communities.

OCF administers a number of City-supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, WorkReady, Community Schools, PHLpreK, and Access Centers. The office also oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The Office of Children and Families (OCF) aligns the City’s policies, resources, and services for children and families. Our priorities are:

• Safe children.
• Strong families.
• Supported schools and communities.

OCF administers a number of City-supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, WorkReady, Community Schools, PHLpreK, and Access Centers. The office also oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The Playful Learning Fellow is to develop and implement education projects throughout OCF departments and other city agencies that apply the latest advances in teaching literacy, math, and social-emotional skills through structured and unstructured play using Playful Learning concepts. The Fellow will work collaboratively with department leadership, education specialists and community organization to build equitable and sustainable relationships that further playful learning activities and spaces throughout the City. The Fellow will develop quantitative and qualitative performance metrics that aim to continually learn from the children and families served and improve the education services provided. This position will report to the Chief of Staff for the Office of Children and Families.

The William Penn Foundation has funded OCF to create a Playful Learning Fellowship. The grant funds are designated for the hiring of a Fellow that integrates existing projects and builds new playful learning opportunities throughout the city: in schools, parks, libraries, and other public spaces and services. Using grant funding over the course of three years, the Fellow will create a cross-departmental infrastructure that foments life-long learning for Philadelphia’s children and families. This position will be an annual position with a potential opportunity for renewal for up to three years.  

Essential Functions

Strategic Planning

• Develop a Playful Learning Implementation plan in coordination with OCF Leadership, including baseline and prospective projects

Research

• Design evidence-based performance measurement in collaboration with OCF Performance Management and Technology Department
• Conducting assessments of Playful Learning programs
• Research and integrate into Philadelphia programming the latest Playful Learning academic research, comparative studies, and best practices

Project Management

• Budget development and oversight: track funding allocations for regular reporting to the William Penn Foundation and OCF finance department
• Write annual project reports and quarterly summaries for different audiences
• Developing neighborhood-based programs and cultivate relationships with community partners
• Collaborate with OCF Communications Department on developing a compelling public narrative throughout fellowship

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A track record of forging successful partnerships/collaborations within and across institutions to communicate complex ideas and achieve impact.
• Demonstrated success bringing projects from conception to completion
• Knowledge of municipal government operations, policymaking, and budgeting
• Ability to convene diverse stakeholders and develop a clear plan of action
• Excellent writing skills and experience making complex data intensive materials accessible to diverse audiences
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative managerial style.

• Advanced degree in child development, developmental psychology, public policy, urban planning, architectural design, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in research or policy-related development, ideally in a fast-paced work environment.
• Experience presenting to and discussing with senior leadership
• Training in one or more of the following area is preferred: cognition, language development, mathematics development, spatial development, executive functioning, community-based research, and play.
• Experience developing and sustaining relationships with city agencies, community groups, and foundations.

Salary: $100,000 annually

Did you know?

• 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
• 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

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

 For more information, go to the Human Relations website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx