Small Business Program Manager

Position Summary

The Department of Commerce is hiring Program Managers to advance equitable economic development initiatives that support Philadelphias small businesses in starting growing and thriving. These positions will play a vital role in managing grant loan and technical assistance programs that support improvements to neighborhood business corridors help businesses access capital and build skills for long-term success especially in low-to-moderate income communities.

Commerce is seeking multiple Program Managers who will oversee programs designed to equip small businesses with the resources they need to grow and contribute to vibrant neighborhoods. These include:

• Storefront Improvement Program (SIP): Grant funding to help businesses improve their storefronts signage and lighting
• InStore Forgivable Loan Program: Forgivable loans for small businesses opening or expanding on key commercial corridors
• Business Training and Assistance Program (BTAP): Technical assistance workshops and training for entrepreneurs
• Business Tax Prep Program: Connect small businesses to free tax prep and accounting services
• Philadelphia Business Lending Network: Supports access to a network of small business lenders for Philadelphia entrepreneurs includes a city administered Incentive Grant program to encourage lending

The Program Manager will work closely with small business owners community-based organizations local lenders and City agencies to deliver resources effectively monitor compliance with program requirements and support the growth of Philadelphias diverse small business community.

Essential Functions

Program Management and Oversight

• Manage one or more small business support programs including grants loans or technical assistance to promote equitable economic development and neighborhood revitalization.
• Review and process applications reimbursement requests and supporting documentation to ensure eligibility accuracy and compliance with program guidelines.
• Track project status and maintain accurate records in data systems such as QuickBase and Excel.

Stakeholder Engagement and Support

• Guide program applicants and participants assisting with applications documentation and ensuring a clear understanding of program requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community-based organizations technical assistance providers lenders contractors and other partners.
• Coordinate with City agencies including Planning Licenses & Inspections and the Historical Commission to support project implementation.

Contracting and Compliance

• Prepare scopes of work budgets and contracts for program funding agreements.
• Review and certify invoices and reports submitted by contractors and funded partners.
• Actively monitor compliance through regular documentation reviews site visits and ongoing communication.
• Assist with the development and review of Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for program services.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Analyze program performance outcomes and trends and recommend improvements to increase impact and equity.
• Contribute ideas and feedback to improve program processes and delivery.

Reporting and Communication

• Draft internal reports program updates presentations and other materials to communicate progress to stakeholders and leadership.
• Prepare required documentation for audits compliance reviews and funding agencies.

Other Duties

• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the Departments mission.
• Minimal evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.

Note: These positions do not supervise other staff.

Competencies Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated integrity and professionalism in all aspects of work.
• Passion for supporting small business growth and equitable neighborhood revitalization.
• Commitment to advancing equity and reducing barriers to accessing resources.
• Ability to work productively and in partnership with ethnically culturally and economically diverse communities at varying levels of formality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to convey complex information in plain language.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to provide clear guidance and responsive support to small business owners entrepreneurs and program participants.
• Knowledge of project planning methods and techniques.
• Understanding of the physical social and economic structure of Philadelphia.
• Skill in developing relationships with colleagues government agencies civic and community organizations and the public.
• Familiarity with the principles and methods used in revitalizing private industry and neighborhood commercial corridors.
• Knowledge of contract development negotiation administration and compliance in economic and community development programs.
• Competency in a language other than English is a plus.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite Canva ArcGIS/QGIS and/or data management tools is a plus.

Qualifications :

• Completion of a bachelors degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in one of the following areas: economics business administration finance public administration or city planning or related field.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract development negotiation administration and control as they relate to economic and community development projects.
• Three years of experience in economic development project analysis planning or monitoring one year of which shall have been at the full performance level.
• OR any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Deputy Director of Commerce.

Additional Information :

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

Salary Range: $60000-$66000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs 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.

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