Senior Policy 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 Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development acts to coordinate the City’s planning, zoning, housing, and development functions to promote the economic health of all of Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and the city as a whole.

Located within the Department of Planning and Development, the Division of Development Services works to improve the efficiency and accessibility of the development approval process through education and engagement with the development community and other stakeholders and improved coordination and cooperation between different Departments, Boards, and Commissions. Development Services staff also work with other City departments and quasi-governmental entities to develop publicly owned and public spaces throughout the City.

Job Description

Position Summary

With oversight from the Deputy Director of Development Services, the Senior Policy Analyst is a management support role applying policy research, data analysis, and project management skills to track, support, and streamline processes for public and private real estate development in Philadelphia and complete various assignments for the Department of Planning and Development.

Essential Functions

• Support real estate development by interfacing with developers and city agencies, coordinating various local, state and federal government approvals, and managing discrete issues related to zoning, planning, and permitting concerns.
• Provide support as needed for large-scale development projects such as affordable housing initiatives, institutional expansion, life science facilities, and City facility projects.
• Work to ensure consistency of development projects with the comprehensive plan, zoning, and community needs.
• Work with stakeholders to increase the predictability and accessibility of the real estate development process by developing educational resources, streamlining processes, and lending direct customer support.
• Monitor and support legislative, permitting, and planning issues that could impact development project and policy priorities.
• Work with other staff to create and implement policies concerning planning, zoning, and permitting for real estate development initiatives.
• Research, analyze and report on development issues and economic development trends by utilizing geospatial and quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Draft talking points, policy statements, summaries and other written work to communicate development priorities and policy position of the Department.

Operations

• Assist the Deputy Director of Development Services in the execution of their responsibilities through project oversight and management.
• Perform appropriate record keeping, database management, and presentation preparation to support the Department.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong project management, data analysis, and written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact with all types of personalities internal and external to the City.

Positive, collaborative and professional attitude; proactive and self-motivated, demonstrating the ability to anticipate needs, propose solutions, and take action without direct instructions

Familiarity with real estate, public policy, economic development, zoning, and ArcGIS.

Qualifications

Education:

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in economics, public administration, urban studies, or a closely related field.

Experience:

Three years of experience in real estate or economic development, program management, urban planning, OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $70,000 - $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