Manager, Vending Strategy and Programs

Company Description

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 businesses - large and small - to start, grow and thrive. Our work strives to position the city as a dynamic, global destination with equitable access to opportunities, vibrant commercial districts, family-sustaining jobs, employer incentives, and talented workforce. The offices in this department elevate a thriving economy that benefits all people who live and work in our city.

For more information about the Department of Commerce, visit www.phila.gov/commerce.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Program Manager is an integral part of the Commerce Department’s Office of Neighborhood Economic Development (ONED) with the responsibility of coordinating the Department’s vending work. This includes working on strategy and program development as well as specific ongoing initiatives such as Christmas Village Vending, the FDR Park Southeast Asian Market and 4th District Container Park Programs, assist market managers and community partners to trouble shoot any challenges special event vendors may need.  This person reports to the Senior Director, Neighborhood Economic Development within the Office of Neighborhood Economic Development.

Essential Functions

Vending program management

• Relationship-building: Management and oversight of contractual and non-contractual relationships with community-based organizations, City agencies, market operators, technical assistance providers, and other agencies engaged in economic development work
  • Ongoing initiatives include Christmas Village at Love Park, Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park, 4th District Container Village, and various pop-ups
• Project Management: Provide project management oversight of ongoing initiatives, which may involve many partners, to maintain timelines and reach agreed outcomes. Includes regular meeting schedule with project participants, notetaking and meeting management, individual follow up as necessary
• Troubleshooting: A significant aspect of this work is coordinating the resolution of issues arising in vending marketplaces, especially with compliance, regulations, and marketplace management
• Resource Development: Identify and develop resources, such as grants and technical assistance, to assist both market operators and individual vendors formalize and sustain their operations
• Develop tools and programs to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses, start, grow, and thrive
• Grant management: Review applications for project funding, lead grant award decision making process; review invoices and reports submitted by grantees,
• Project/Program Evaluation: Data entry and maintenance of program activities; Evaluate performance, effectiveness and impact of projects and programs and make appropriate recommendations
• Other duties as assigned

Strategy and program improvement

• Gather and analyzing data from Commerce vending program to track progress and identify opportunities for program improvements
• Work with Commerce’s Policy & Strategic Initiatives team to compile vending permit guides and “how to” materials for prospective vendors
• Develop guides and “how to” materials for market operators; establish a playbook for successful coordination between City regulatory agencies, property owners (including Parks & Recreation), vendor market managers, and individual vendors
• Identify and develop best practices for public support of vending markets
• Participate in policy and strategy efforts to streamline vending requirements, reduce burdens to vendor entrepreneurship, and develop effective communications for vendors and market managers to understand requirements

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work productively and in partnership with ethnically, culturally and economically diverse communities, at varying levels of formality
• Project planning methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of the physical, social and economic structure of the City.
• Develop relationships with associates, governmental agencies, civic, community and business groups and the general public.
• The principles of economics and the techniques of economic analysis.
• The principles and methods used in revitalizing private industry and physical environment in economically depressed urban areas.
• The principles and practices of contract development, negotiation administration, and control as they relate to economic and community development projects.
• Competency in a language other than English is a plus.
• Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, ArcGIS/QGIS, and/or database management skills are a plus.

Qualifications

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in one of the following areas: economics, business administration, finance, public administration, 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.
• Experience with vending or food/retail entrepreneurship, or vendor market operations
• 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 and resume.

Salary Range: $57,000 - $65,000

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Client-provided location(s): Philadelphia, PA

Job ID: 29d72f0b-2ab1-4937-a040-b1c87d302ed7

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-03-05T21:39:10