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.

The Director of Business Development: Night Economy is responsible for serving as the Ambassador, problem solver and face of the city’s nighttime economy. The role operates within the Business Development unit in the Department of Commerce. The Director is charged with establishing and executing strategy to support, attract and retain businesses within the nighttime economy. This role marshals the resources required to balance safety, quality of life and vibrancy within the marketplace from across city government and in partnership with external partners.

• Managing a pipeline of business inquiries and leads, focusing on the night economy industry.
• Serve as a leader in coordination with other economic development partners and city agencies to support the needs of the nighttime ecosystem.
• Observes nightlife activity in various neighborhoods and reports trends and impacts.
• Facilitates communication and promotes an atmosphere of trust, transparency, and collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Recruits and guides new hospitality businesses through process of opening a new business understanding regulations and requirements.
• Organizes and promotes educational events and trainings; participates in stakeholders’ events.
• Liaise with and participate in research and the development of “Best Practices” for the nighttime economy at local, national, and international levels.
• Establish and meet with Night Economy Advisory Board to assist in shaping policy, marketing, and advocacy for the sector.
• Disseminates information using various social media platform and collaborating with the Director of Communications in Commerce.

Essential Functions

• Serve as key face of the City on Nighttime Economy to partners/businesses in internally and externally.
• Serve as Nighttime economy representative with Police, Public Health, L&I, planning and zoning, Immigrant Affairs, the LGBTQ community and other relevant tables and work groups across local government.
• Develop and maintain relationships with Commercial Corridors, RCO’s and neighborhood groups in areas of high nighttime economy activity and serve as the first response in mediating these relationships.
• Manage night economy programming, providing oversite of deliverables and budget.
• Assist existing businesses with city processes and access to resources to strengthen the sector.
• Meet with existing businesses to review ideas and concepts for promoting the nighttime economy.
• Participate in legislative discussions  to assist in informing policy that impact the nighttime economy.
• Conduct research, identify opportunities for business attraction and retention efforts in the nighttime economy.

Competencies, Knowledge. Skills and Abilities

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

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree is required, or 5+ years’ experience in entertainment/hospitality sector. A master’s degree and/or executive leadership positions preferred.
• Management of projects from initiation to completion with documented outcomes.
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience working within entertainment/hospitality sector.
• 3+ years of experience in public/private sector economic development.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing sample and resume.

Salary Range: $70,000  - $75,000

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

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

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