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 operating a successful business in Philadelphia easier. 

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 and grants to businesses such as the Storefront Improvement and Business Security Camera Programs and includes the Office of Business Services team, which provides direct assistance and guidance to businesses.  

The Department of Commerce is looking to hire an individual to manage the Storefront Improvement Program. This program provides funds that help individual businesses improve the appearance of their storefronts so that the neighborhood commercial corridor is more attractive for shoppers and visitors.   

Essential Functions

Manage all aspects of the Storefront Improvement Program, including application review and approval and outreach and promotion of the program and its goals. 

Specific Duties: 

• Work with Commerce Department colleagues, such as the Office of Business Services team, who promote this program to neighborhood businesses. 
• Establish and maintain community partnerships and work with external partners such as Community Development Corporation staff who work with businesses within their organizations’ target areas. 
• Assist program applicants by offering guidance and feedback regarding their storefront projects. 
• Review program applications and assist applicants in providing needed documentation. 
• Coordinate the review and approval of SIP program applications. 
• Ensure compliance with all funding sources. 
• Coordinate a Design Review Committee comprised of Commerce representatives and representatives of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, the Historical Commission, and others who meet regularly to review applications and provide design feedback. 
• Evaluate program performance, effectiveness, and impact of projects and programs and make appropriate recommendations.  
• Participate in OCIBS and department-wide goal setting, program improvement, and program development processes. 
• Prepare project presentations and reports.  
• Draft status reports, talking points, statements, and other written work products as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned.  
• Minimal night and weekend work may be required. 

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for graphic design or visual marketing. 
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback. 
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work with individuals across different disciplines. 
• Ability to communicate and/or experience working with an ethnically and economically diverse population. 
• Candidates must be energetic, well organized, flexible, and convey a positive attitude and strong work ethic.  
• 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 contract development and economic and community development project administration is a plus.  
• 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, and multi-lingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.

• At least 3 years of relevant experience. 
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree or major coursework in economics, business administration, finance, public administration, or city planning.
• Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

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

The last day to apply is May 22, 2023.

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