Small Business Program Manager

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 Department of Commerce is hiring Program Managers to advance equitable economic development initiatives that support Philadelphia’s 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 Philadelphia’s 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 Department’s 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 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 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: $60,000-$66,000

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