What: The Community Design Collaborative is currently seeking an Economic Development Program Manager to coordinate technical assistance to support the revitalization of neighborhood commercial corridors in the City of Philadelphia. The Program Manager provides expertise on site specific projects, manages community engaged design process, serves on a design review committee, and organizes workshops and educational programs to support commercial corridor managers and businesses. Early design assistance informs high-impact, strategic investments for community organizations, utilizing their limited resources effectively and making positive contributions to the surrounding business district. The Program Manager is a contract-funded position through the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department.
Working closely with the Director of Design Services, the Program Manager will manage and deliver effective economic development programs, as described below:
Commercial Corridor Revitalization:
Through Design Grants, work directly with community development corporations, small business owners, and volunteer design professionals on corridor façade, streetscapes and building designs; responsible for related Design Grant administration, selection and review.
Storefront Improvement Program:
Participate on the Commerce Department’s Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) design review committee (weekly); consultations as requested; provide technical assistance and strategic feedback that support smart and effective use of commercial corridor investments.
Commercial Corridor Design Workshops/Training:
Plan, organize, and host an educational roundtable or training workshop for commercial corridor managers and design professionals. Events may include presentations, panel discussions, and workshops. Every year, the Collaborative and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce celebrate corridor champions during DesignPhiladelphia, including the Storefront Challenge awards program.
Outreach:
Attend commercial corridor-related events and programs; personal outreach to corridor managers and potential clients to promote the Collaborative’s program; personal outreach to partner organizations that can further enhance/support the Collaborative’s program or mission.
Design Services and Organizational Support:
Assist with administrative, marketing, event and program support; board, staff and Design Services committee meetings as needed.
The ideal candidate has 2 or more years of experience. The Collaborative offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package (health, dental, vision and a 401k plan), plus the opportunity to work with a talented staff, dedicated community leaders and an extraordinary group of volunteers. The position is full-time (32-40 hours TBD).
Qualifications:
- Professional design degree with five + years (or master’s degree with three + years) of related work experience in the built environment, civic engagement, community development, fundraising, events management, and/or communications.
- 2+ years of design experience, nonprofit experience a plus.
- Advanced computer skills: Salesforce, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and InDesign.
- Outstanding oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to network and build relationships with diverse constituencies; experience staffing boards and committees and supervising staff and consultant teams a plus.
- Comfort with work environment and interactions with board leadership, staff, clients and volunteers daily.
- Candidate must be open to a flexible schedule, including some weekends and evenings.
- A strong commitment to the Collaborative’s mission and activities and an interest in growing with the organization. Knowledge of the Philadelphia region a plus.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as needed.
- Ability to see the big picture, but also be detail oriented. Excellent time management skills.
- Ability to think creatively and prioritize rapidly, as well as manage multiple initiatives simultaneously. Self-starter, creative problem-solver with positive personality, grace, patience, professional demeanor and a strong sense of humor.
- Cover Letter with salary requirements
- Resume (1-2-page Maximum)
- Two brief writing samples (Maximum 2 pages per sample, one that is program related)
- Portfolio, if available. 1 -2 projects
- Two references
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position has been filled. Only candidates whose applications are being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.