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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure that Philadelphia is a globally competitive city to which employers flock, entrepreneurs thrive, and innovation abounds; to recruit and retain a diverse set of businesses; to foster economic opportunities for all Philadelphians in all neighborhoods; and to partner with workforce development programs and local businesses on talent development ensuring that all Philadelphians can find and retain living-wage jobs.

The Commerce Director oversees and implements policies to help both small businesses and major corporations in Philadelphia thrive.

Essential Functions

• Serve as main liaison between the City of Philadelphia and its various business communities
• Serve as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet with responsibility for driving economic development initiatives for the City including business attraction and retention efforts, international trade, and major real estate development projects
• Lead efforts to support neighborhood commercial development, specifically on our commercial corridors
• Serve on important Mayoral appointed boards, such as the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation.
• Ensure programs and policies are in place that enable minority, women, and disabled-owned businesses to succeed
• Ensure programs are in place to support and invest in neighborhood businesses and commercial corridors
• Create an environment to attract, retain, and grow small businesses

Education and Experience

• Experience working in business or economic development (for at least 7 years)
• Experience managing high-performing teams
• Experience navigating complex systems or bureaucracies
• Experience in policy development
• Diverse experience in government, private or non-profit sector.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to effectively manage and delegate
• Innate ability to anticipate possible conflicts and quickly problem solve 

Please submit a cover letter, resume and reference list with your application. Applications without all documents will not be considered.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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 

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

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