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 Department of Commerce is the economic catalyst for the City of Philadelphia helping businesses - large and small - to start, grow and thrive. Our work strives to position the city as a dynamic, global destination with equitable access to opportunities, vibrant commercial districts, family-sustaining jobs, employer incentives, and talented workforce. The offices in this department elevate a thriving economy that benefits all people who live and work in our city.

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

The Program Manager is an integral part of the Commerce Department’s Office of Neighborhood Economic Development (ONED) with the responsibility to manage funding awards, relationships and contracts for performance of economic development work in the City of Philadelphia. This person is expected to develop relationships with community-based organizations, Technical Assistance provider, Financial Institutions and Agency partners, and an intimate knowledge of Philadelphia neighborhoods. The position reports to a Senior Program Manager within the Office of Neighborhood Economic Development.

Essential Functions

Economic development program management

• Relationship-building: Management and oversight of contractual and non-contractual relationships with community-based organizations, Technical Assistance providers, financial institutions and other agencies engaged in economic development work
• Project Oversight: Provide planning, analysis, monitoring and technical support services for projects and programs designed to promote economic development to revitalize economic conditions in targeted urban areas
• Program Management: Develop tools and programs, such as the Targeted Commercial Corridor Management Program and PHL-Taking Care of Business, to provide resources and strengthen capacity of community organizations
• Program Management: Develop tools and programs to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses, start, grow, and thrive
• Grant application review: Review applications for project funding and reviews invoices and reports submitted by contractors and delegate agencies
• Project/Program Evaluation: Evaluate performance, effectiveness and impact of projects and programs and make appropriate recommendations
• Contact other agencies, city housing officials, departmental officials, and the private business sector to ensure cooperation in the implementation of programs and projects

Contracting

• Negotiate and prepare scope of service and budgetary document for contracts and agreements recommended for funding by Community Development Block Grants, State Department of Community and Economic Development, and other city, state, federal and private funds
• Develop contract terms with agency directors, legal representatives, and fiscal administrators of contracting agencies - ensure that scopes of services are realistic and conform with approved program proposals
• Active monitoring of contracted services: review of required provider submissions/deliverables (reports), and frequent informal communication with providers as well as in-person visits
• Provide Technical Assistance as needed to ensure compliance and performance
• Develop and review Requests for Proposals for economic development programming by community organizations
• Undertake the initial review of invoices for expenditures under contacts for both budgetary control and conformance with program intent; certify payment for expenditures
• Ensure the preparation of support documentation files for review and compliance with city, state and federal agencies; prepare monthly and annual reports as required by city.
• Develop and incorporate designs for systematic reporting and monitoring of contract progress; discuss wording and format of contracts with legal staff to clarify terms and conditions.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work productively and in partnership with ethnically, culturally and economically diverse communities, at varying levels of formality
• Project planning methods and techniques.
• Physical, social and economic structure of the City.
• Develop relationships with associates, governmental agencies, civic, community and business groups and the general public.
• The principles of economics and the techniques of economic analysis.
• The organization, functions, procedures and resources of City agencies, boards, and commissions, quasi-governmental agencies and private organizations whose activities affect urban area economic development programs.
• The principles and methods used in revitalizing private industry and physical environment in economically depressed urban areas.
• The principles and practices of contract development, negotiation administration, and control as they relate to economic and community development projects.
• City, state and federal regulations as they pertain to contract preparation and administration of Community Development Block Grant, Empowerment Zone, and other funding programs.
• Funding Source rules and regulations and guidelines in the application of commercial and area improvement projects and programs.
• Uniform Program Management System.
• Legislation regulating area economic development activities.
• Competency in a language other than English is a plus.
• Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, ArcGIS/QGIS, and/or database management skills are a plus.

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in one of the following areas: economics, business administration, finance, public administration or city planning.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract development negotiation, administration, and control as they relate to economic and community development projects.
• Three years of experience in economic development project analysis, planning or monitoring, one year of which shall have been at the full performance level.
• OR any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Deputy Director of Commerce.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. The last day to apply is 12/02/2022.

Salary: $60,000

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