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 all businesses thrive. Commerce creates equitable wealth building opportunities through strategic investments and ecosystem partnerships to grow quality jobs, build capacity in under-resourced communities, and make it easier to operate a successful business in Philadelphia. Strategic Priorities:

• Provide trusted guidance and a simplified process to establish, grow, and operate a business
• Drive equitable neighborhood revitalization that contributes to vibrant commercial corridors
• Attract and retain businesses through business resources and strategic investments
• Connect talent to growth industries and to jobs that pay family-sustaining wages
• Build wealth in communities of color through more equitable access to capital and contracting opportunities
• Leverage economic research to drive policy and strategy

The Office of Corridor Improvements and Business Services (OCIBS) manages programs and activities that improve the environment for businesses in neighborhoods and offers direct support and guidance to Philadelphia businesses. OCIBS manages streetscape projects, grants to businesses such as the Storefront Improvement and Business Security Camera Programs and includes the Office of Business Services team who provide direct assistance and guidance to businesses. OCIBS also leads Commerce’s management of the PHL Taking Care of Business Corridor Cleaning Program: a citywide commercial corridor cleaning program encompassing 38 organizations cleaning commercial corridors Citywide.

Position Summary

The Department of Commerce is looking to hire an individual to lead Commerce’s management and implementation of PHL Taking Care of Business Corridor Cleaning. PHL TCB funds 39 community-based nonprofits who employ 249 individuals as Cleaning Ambassadors to sweep sidewalks and remove litter within 116 neighborhood commercial corridors located throughout the City. The typical TCB crew working within a neighborhood commercial corridor consists of roughly 5 individuals, in uniform, cleaning 4 days per week. Cleaning Ambassadors receive a program minimum wage of $15.71/hour and participate in workforce training activities. PHL TCB has four main goals:

1. Maintain clean commercial districts in Philadelphia neighborhoods.

2. Promote the economic success of neighborhood businesses by creating an inviting environment for

shoppers.

3. Create work opportunities for Philadelphians.

4. Grow the capacity of local small businesses and organizations that provide cleaning services.

The program is part of a larger effort by the Department of Commerce to enhance and promote vibrant commercial corridors. The TCB Program was championed by Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker and will be a cornerstone of the incoming administration’s commitment to creating the Cleanest, Greenest, Safest big city in America, with economic opportunity for all.

Essential Functions:

The Director, Corridor Improvements will lead all aspects of the PHL Taking Care of Business Corridor Cleaning Program and will work with a staff team within Commerce who manage and support the TCB Program.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work with individuals across different disciplines.
• Ability to communicate and/or experience working with ethnically and economically diverse population.
• Big picture thinker with experience in operationalizing plans to create, manage and scale programs.
• Strong organization and project management skills, including the ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback.
• A passion for community economic development and supporting growth in the capacity of local communities to carry out community-based maintenance work and act as stewards for their neighborhoods.
• A passion for programs like TCB which provide employment and personal growth opportunities for individuals who often face barriers to career pathways.
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and abilities to prioritize tasks and keep multiple tasks moving simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Data management skills using software such as Excel, or QuickBase.
• Proficient in Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of small business operations is a plus.
• Knowledge of City, State and Federal economic development programs is a plus.
• Proficiency in languages in addition to English is a plus. Multilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

• At least 5 years of professional and relevant experience.
• Professional experience working in government, and with non-profit organizations preferred.
• Experience with contract development, and administration of economic and community development projects.

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

Salary Range: $80,000 

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully 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