Policy & Research Analyst

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 City Council of Philadelphia is the legislative body of our municipal government, serving as the voice of the people. It is composed of seventeen members—ten elected by district and seven city-wide.

Councilmember Anthony Phillips represents the 9th District, which includes the vibrant neighborhoods of East Oak Lane, Fern Rock, Mt. Airy, Olney, Oxford Circle, Lawncrest, Logan, and West Oak Lane. He was first elected to fill the vacancy left by Mayor Cherelle Parker and re-elected in 2023 for his first full term. Recognized by The Philadelphia Inquirer as an engaged and effective leader, Councilmember Phillips has championed impactful legislation on traffic safety near schools, illegal truck parking, and the closure of nuisance businesses.

The Office of Councilmember Phillips is committed to advancing transformative change and delivering resources that uplift our communities. Our priorities include education, public safety, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, and improving quality of life. With a strong background in education and nonprofit leadership, Councilmember Phillips is a tireless advocate for residents of all ages and currently serves as Chair of the Committees on Children and Youth; and Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Affairs.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Policy & Research Analyst plays a key role in supporting the legislative and zoning efforts of Councilmember Anthony Phillips, reporting directly to the Senior Advisor & Zoning Counsel. This position helps advance the Councilmember’s priorities by tracking legislation, preparing policy materials, and collaborating closely with city staff, partners, and stakeholders. The analyst also assists with zoning matters in the 9th District—serving as a helpful point of contact for neighbors, applicants, and city agencies. Additionally, they provide general office support, assist constituents with local concerns, and undertake special projects as needed.

Essential Functions

Legislation – 50%

• Monitor and track City Council legislation, including co-sponsorship requests from other Council offices, and keep the Councilmember and staff informed of relevant updates.
• Attend City Council sessions, hearings, and briefings, preparing briefing materials, summarizing legislative items, and capturing comprehensive meeting notes.
• Conduct legislative and policy research under the direction of the Senior Advisor & Zoning Counsel. Work collaboratively with the Law Department, Council’s Technical Staff, and other relevant agencies to analyze, develop, and draft bills and resolutions.
• Prepare policy briefs, memos, reports, and talking points to support legislative decision-making and effectively communicate complex issues to the public.
• Liaise with legislative staff from other Council offices to advance the Councilmember’s policy priorities, explore sponsorship opportunities, and build legislative coalitions.
• Assist in managing the Councilmember’s committee portfolio, including clerking duties, managing hearing agendas, distributing testimony, and coordinating committee-related initiatives and special projects.
• Coordinate and, when appropriate, lead meetings with government agencies, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders. Responsibilities include scheduling, preparing background materials, capturing key takeaways, and managing follow-up with the support of the Senior Advisor & Zoning Counsel.
• Maintain and cultivate relationships with internal and external partners to identify emerging issues and opportunities for policy innovation, especially at the state and federal levels.
• Provide strategic support in preparing the Councilmember and staff for meetings with stakeholders, including developing talking points, briefing documents, and messaging.

Zoning, Planning & Development – 40%

• Track, monitor, and research all zoning appeals within the 9th Council District.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for zoning applicants, registered community organizations (RCOs), and neighbors seeking information or assistance regarding zoning matters.
• Represent the Councilmember and/or the Zoning Counsel before the Zoning Board of Adjustment, either through written communications or oral testimony.
• Monitor by-right zoning permits issued in the 9th District and flag any potential concerns.
• Assist in organizing educational workshops and public seminars on housing, zoning, and development to better inform neighbors and empower communities.
• Support the drafting and review of legislation and policies related to zoning, land use, housing, nuisance properties, and property taxation.
• Collaborate with City departments and community stakeholders to address issues related to vacant or nuisance properties.

Administrative Support – 10%

• Answer and screen telephone calls directed to the City Hall office, ensuring constituent concerns are recorded thoroughly, including names, addresses, and key issues raised.
• Execute special assignments and projects as directed by the Senior Advisor & Zoning Counsel, contributing to broader team priorities and strategic initiatives.
• Assist neighbors who call or visit the office with neighborhood concerns, working to resolve issues or connect them with appropriate resources and city services

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Organizational Skills: Effectively manage multiple projects and tasks, be efficient and accurate, be punctual, accountable, a collaborator, self-starter, and adept at changing priorities and needs.
• Warm Greetings: Create a welcoming environment by greeting neighbors with kindness and respect.
• Active Listening: Engage with community members to understand their needs and concerns thoroughly.
• Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with residents and local organizations to foster collaboration

Qualifications

•  Preferred candidate will possess a college degree or equivalent experience, with at least one year of full-time work experience, ideally within a municipal or government setting.
• At least three semesters of college or graduate-level research experience, or two years of professional policy research experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to walk through neighborhoods and engage with residents.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle and possess a valid driver’s license.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $50,000 to $60,000

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