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 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. For more information about the Department of Commerce, visit www.phila.gov/commerce.

The Director of Business Development: Life Sciences & Biotechnology is responsible for a portfolio of specific biotech-focused projects within the business development function.

The Director is expected to establish and execute attraction and retention strategies within the life science and biotechnology sector. Director will also collaborate with our economic development partners on strategic initiatives to grow and support Philadelphia Life Sciences. In addition to business development initiatives, the following is a sampling of responsibilities the Director would be expected to perform:

• Managing a pipeline of new attraction and retention business leads, focusing on the biotechnology industry; documenting progress in Project CRM database.
• Responding to new leads in a timely manner and pursuing new leads independently.
• Serve as a leader in coordination with other economic development partners to position Philadelphia as a driving force in creating opportunities for diverse communities in the life sciences ecosystem.
• Foster and grow relationships with key companies in the life sciences community to support Philadelphia’s prominence in the local and regional ecosystem.
• Identify and develop strategic partnerships with local startup and life sciences affinity groups, venture capital investors, incubators, co-working spaces, etc.
• Maintain working knowledge of industry trends, targeted business assistance opportunities, and financing/incentive programs appropriate to service the Life sciences sector.
• Maintain an in-depth knowledge of Philadelphia life sciences real estate pipeline with a special focus on GMP space.
• Collaborate with the International Business Team to bring international life science companies to Philadelphia.
• Work collaboratively with state government and local stakeholders to develop new programs and incentives to grow the industry in Philadelphia.
• Convene a Life sciences Advisory Group to meet regularly and inform the City’s strategy in this sector.
• Collaborating with Commerce’s Communications Team to coordinate the promotion of Life Science initiatives, programming, and marketing efforts of the department.
• Represent the Department of Commerce at various trade shows, speaking engagements, special events and other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions

• Research prospects to determine suitable opportunities for the Philadelphia market.
• Serve as the public face of the Philadelphia Biotech industry
• Serve as key City liaison to partners in the Life sciences community.
• Manage life science initiative programming, providing oversite of deliverables and budget.
• When required, craft attraction letters, articulate incentives case by case scenarios.
• Assist the leadership of the Business Development team as needed, working collaboratively with all members of the Commerce Department.
• Meet with existing and prospective businesses to review ideas and concepts for business development.
• Assist existing businesses with city processes and access to resources to strengthen retention and expansion efforts.
• Draft talking points, statements, and held guide design/language on presentation decks and other collateral as needed.
• Conduct research, identify opportunities for business attraction and retention efforts in the Life sciences sector.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written and computer communication skills are essential.
• Great interpersonal skills and a proven record of relationship building.
• Ability to respond to inquiries in a timely basis articulating guidance on projects.
• 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.

• 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 the life sciences ecosystem.
• 5+ years of experience in 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