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

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of its people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr. 

Position Summary 

Directs the work of the Property & Concessions Management group staff and oversees concessions, all leases, and property related operations for Parks & Recreation. Collaborates with City departments, partner organizations, lessees, and licensees to support revenue generating amenities and public serving facilities. Evaluates business proposals, manages agreements, and ensures compliance with City policies and legal requirements. Supports partner capital and facility improvement projects and provides guidance on operational, financial, and property related matters. 

Essential Functions 

Business Evaluation & Financial Decisions 

• Employs business experience and financial analytical skills to evaluate new business proposals for concession licenses and property leases and makes recommendations to management and the Commissioner. 

• Reviews investments and provides guidance to Fairmount Park Trust Funds.   

 RFP/RFI Development & Agreement Negotiation 

• Oversees the preparation of RFPs and RFIs for concessions, guiding staff and partner organizations, approving drafts, and negotiating final terms with Law, Risk Management, Procurement, and OEO. 

• Negotiates the terms and conditions of licenses and leases with outside organizations to support Parks & Recreation strategies, protect City interests, encourage service delivery, and promote property maintenance and investment. 

• Drafts terms of agreement and lease documents for Law Department approval. 

Property, Facility, and Capital Project Oversight 

• Assesses the condition of leased and licensed facilities and recommends needed repairs and maintenance to Parks and Recreations Skilled Trades unit. 

• Provides guidance for capital and program projects funded by concession-based resources. 

• Provides administrative support for historic properties. 

Support for Lessees, Licensees, and Internal Staff 

• Provides guidance to lessees and licensees on City and departmental policies, facilitates interaction with City departments and PPR leadership, and offers recommendations on operational or compliance issues. 

• Serves as a resource to PPR staff regarding legal, property, and agreement related questions. 

Compliance & Portfolio Management 

• Oversees concession, lease, and license compliance for a portfolio of approximately 200 agreements, including regular concession revenue reports to the City’s Finance Division. 

Departmental Standardization & SOP Development 

• Supports the department’s management goals to create standardized processes to codify administrative processes across the department.  

• Responsible for discerning the need for, writing and overseeing the implementation of standard operating procedures. 

• Performs other duties as assigned. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• General knowledge of commercial real estate, contract principles, and leasing practices. 

• General understanding of commercial insurance requirements related to property and concessions. 

• Financial analysis skills to support evaluation of proposals and operational decisions. 

• Strong business writing skills, including the ability to summarize and communicate complex agreements. 

• Effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to interpret policies, agreements, and regulatory requirements. 

• Ability to work collaboratively with internal partners, external organizations, and lessees. 

• General investment knowledge 

• Bachelor’s degree in:  Business Administration, Public Administration, Real Estate, Finance, Urban Planning, Hospitality Management, Project Management or related experience.  

• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in property management, concessions management, contract administration, leasing, or related operational work.  

• Experience working with governmental agencies, vendors, or partner organizations preferred. 

 
We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply. 

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

Salary Range: $90,000 - $115,000

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 8 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