Economic
Development Director
NeighborWorks
Affiliates
Philadelphia, PA
The innovative, community-based work that we do has many stakeholders – residents, businesses, partners, funders, media—and a lot of moving pieces—programs, resources, politics-- and you would be the one to make sure economic initiatives are moving these pieces in a direction that builds community wealth and supports equitable economic revitalization. One day you're placemaking and the next day you're negotiating corridor services for the community. You are part strategist, part community organizer, part advocate for equitable economic growth. A big part of your job will be managing department resources to improve the community's economic conditions, neighborhood redevelopment efforts, planning, and business attraction. You will be making sure your team has a creative, happy and productive workplace culture, developing partners, increasing financial resources, ensuring multiple programs work as one, and making sure your departmental communications functions at a high level of effectiveness and efficiency.
Philadelphia, PA
The innovative, community-based work that we do has many stakeholders – residents, businesses, partners, funders, media—and a lot of moving pieces—programs, resources, politics-- and you would be the one to make sure economic initiatives are moving these pieces in a direction that builds community wealth and supports equitable economic revitalization. One day you're placemaking and the next day you're negotiating corridor services for the community. You are part strategist, part community organizer, part advocate for equitable economic growth. A big part of your job will be managing department resources to improve the community's economic conditions, neighborhood redevelopment efforts, planning, and business attraction. You will be making sure your team has a creative, happy and productive workplace culture, developing partners, increasing financial resources, ensuring multiple programs work as one, and making sure your departmental communications functions at a high level of effectiveness and efficiency.
You're probably the ideal person
for this position if you:
· Are a
planner or community organizer at heart and love strategy to deliver the
mission
· Believe no community is sustainable unless there's economic opportunity and equality
· Can move quickly to tap new opportunities, develop partnerships, and reroute programs when changes in environment occur without upsetting the apple cart
· Can mediate various personal and community politics before they erupt and turn them into positive interactions
· You are a quick study on various topics and you make things work when there is no answer
· Are discerning and strategic, self-motivated, and eat ambitious deadlines for lunch.
· Have an eye for language and tone for resource development (including grant writing & fundraising)
· Believe no community is sustainable unless there's economic opportunity and equality
· Can move quickly to tap new opportunities, develop partnerships, and reroute programs when changes in environment occur without upsetting the apple cart
· Can mediate various personal and community politics before they erupt and turn them into positive interactions
· You are a quick study on various topics and you make things work when there is no answer
· Are discerning and strategic, self-motivated, and eat ambitious deadlines for lunch.
· Have an eye for language and tone for resource development (including grant writing & fundraising)
Reports to: Deputy Director
Supervises: 2 Commercial Corridor Coordinators; 2 Commercial Corridor Stewards
Responsibilities:
· Ensure development of strategic short and long range economic development plans with a specific focus on the development of neighborhood commercial corridors such as Frankford Avenue Arts Corridor, Girard Avenue, E Allegheny/Richmond corridor, and the Front/Kensington corridor
· Set departmental priorities and policies in support of NKCDC's strategy & goals; develop new departmental programs and/or strategic efforts to deliver mission-driven outcomes; ensure programming is organizationally sustainable and assist leadership team in identifying and pursuing development opportunities to adequately staff and deliver new programs
· Build capacity and develop leadership of local business associations, including Fishtown Area Business Association and Port Richmond Business Alliance
· Provide direction & leadership for efforts to establish new business community development opportunities (Business Improvement District process, new business association on Front/Kensington corridor)
· Manage strategic planning and market research/market analysis initiatives
· Manage reporting to funders for specific economic development contracts, ensure
benchmarks are met, maintain relationships with contract managers
· Supervise the planning and facilitation of NKCDC-led business meetings or workshops
· Develop and maintain an inventory of all businesses in the community; manage production of an annual Business Directory
· Coordinate work with other NCKDC departments on various projects
· Ensure all new businesses opening in target area are welcomed, i.e., letting them know how they can get involved, giving them help with L&I, connecting them to city programs, etc.
· Encourage new businesses to locate on area commercial corridors and work with existing
building owners to appropriately develop their properties, i.e. expose to city assistance
programs, marketing materials and organize promotional events
· Ensure that technical and strategic assistance is provided to existing community businesses
· Supervise collaboration with neighborhood association zoning committees and the
Neighborhood Advisory Committee in the creation, implementation, and adaptation of
community created design guidelines
· Provide oversight to arts-related programming, public art projects and implementation of
arts driven revitalization strategy, manage annual Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
· Other tasks as assigned
Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree required. Additional training/certification or advanced degree relevant to economic development is highly beneficial.
· Minimum 3-5 years of economic development and project management experience with asuccessful track record of program success.
· Knowledge of City of Philadelphia processes and regulations (L&I, Streets, Police, Health Dept., etc.) is desirable.
· At least 2 years experience in management or leadership positions. Knowledge of human
relations policies and procedures.
· Professional manner and good interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written
communication skills, including ability to communicate with a broad range of constituents.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize work, take initiative, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated flexibility in managing time-sensitive tasks and projects.
· Experience in event planning, promotion and marketing is desirable.
· Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility and attention to detail.
· Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, graphics programs, CRM systems, online newsletter formatting, web content management systems, social media, etc.
Compensation:
Competitive salary with excellent benefits including HMO health plan, long- and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid vacation and 403 (b) retirement plan.
Application process:
Email cover letter and resume to Shanta Schachter, Deputy Director, sschachter@nkcdc.org
· Bachelor's degree required. Additional training/certification or advanced degree relevant to economic development is highly beneficial.
· Minimum 3-5 years of economic development and project management experience with asuccessful track record of program success.
· Knowledge of City of Philadelphia processes and regulations (L&I, Streets, Police, Health Dept., etc.) is desirable.
· At least 2 years experience in management or leadership positions. Knowledge of human
relations policies and procedures.
· Professional manner and good interpersonal skills. Excellent verbal and written
communication skills, including ability to communicate with a broad range of constituents.
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively, prioritize work, take initiative, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines. Demonstrated flexibility in managing time-sensitive tasks and projects.
· Experience in event planning, promotion and marketing is desirable.
· Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
· Excellent interpersonal skills, flexibility and attention to detail.
· Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, graphics programs, CRM systems, online newsletter formatting, web content management systems, social media, etc.
Compensation:
Competitive salary with excellent benefits including HMO health plan, long- and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid vacation and 403 (b) retirement plan.
Application process:
Email cover letter and resume to Shanta Schachter, Deputy Director, sschachter@nkcdc.org