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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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, note taking 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…