Program Specialist, LGBTQIA+
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 Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs works to foster equitable working and living conditions for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual individuals, and additional members of the LGBTQ+ community. The office advocates for LGBTQ+ issues across all areas of City government.
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Created in 2008 by mayoral executive order, the Office of LGBTQ+ Affairs became a permanent part of the City’s charter in 2015. The office aims to:
Develop City policy regarding civil rights issues affecting LGBTQ+ people.
Help enact policies and programs to meet the City’s diversity, equity, inclusion goals.
Coordinate among City departments, agencies, and offices to improve LGBTQ+ access to services, and to promote equity and safety for LGBTQ+ people.
Support the growth and development of the City’s LGBTQ+ communities and serve as a liaison between the area’s LGBTQ+ communities and the City.
Provide education about the needs of the LGBTQ+ community.
Job Description
Position Summary
The Program Specialist for LGBTQIA+ Affairs is responsible for the coordination, implementation, and evaluation of programs and initiatives that advance equity, inclusion, and quality of life for LGBTQIA+ residents across Philadelphia. Working under the direction of the Director, this role supports the execution of strategic priorities by managing projects, facilitating cross-departmental collaboration, and ensuring effective service delivery across City agencies and community partners.
The Program Specialist serves as a key operational lead, translating policy and strategic goals into actionable programs, maintaining stakeholder relationships, and tracking outcomes to inform continuous improvement. This role reports to the Director of LGBTQIA+ Affairs
Essential Functions
Support the implementation of the Office’s strategic priorities and policy initiatives through effective program and project management.
Coordinate and manage priority initiatives across key issue areas such as health equity, public safety, housing stability, and economic opportunity.
Collaborate with City departments to integrate LGBTQ+ inclusive practices into programs, policies, and service delivery.
Monitor local, state, and federal policy developments and assist in assessing potential impacts on LGBTQ+ communities and City operations.
Develop and maintain partnerships with LGBTQ+ community leaders, advocacy organizations, and service providers to support program delivery and outreach.
Oversee day-to-day administration of assigned programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with established goals, timelines, and performance metrics.
Track and analyze program data, community needs, and service outcomes to support reporting, evaluation, and continuous improvement efforts.
Prepare reports, briefings, and other materials for internal leadership, the Mayor’s Office, and external stakeholders.
Represent the Office in meetings, working groups, and community engagements as assigned.
Provide guidance, coordination, and support to interns, fellows, or project-based staff as assigned.
All other duties as assigned.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge:
Knowledge of principles and practices of program management, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
Knowledge of public sector operations, policies, and procedures, particularly within a large municipal government environment.
Knowledge of issues impacting LGBTQ+ communities, including disparities in health, housing, public safety, and economic opportunity.
Knowledge of data collection, performance measurement, and program evaluation techniques.
Skills:
Skill in coordinating multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.
Skill in analyzing qualitative and quantitative information and translating findings into actionable recommendations.
Skill in developing and maintaining effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, community-based organizations, and advocacy groups.
Skill in written and oral communication, including preparing reports, briefings, and presentations for a variety of audiences.
Skill in facilitating meetings, coordinating cross-functional teams, and managing stakeholder engagement processes.
Abilities:
Ability to translate strategic priorities into operational plans and program activities.
Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when working with sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and effectively engage with diverse populations, particularly LGBTQ+ communities.
Qualifications
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, social work, public health, political science, or a closely related field.
Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in program coordination, program management, policy implementation, or a related area, preferably within government, nonprofit, or community-based organizations.
We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $67,000 - $80,000
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
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion