The Senior Project Coordinator, Sidewalk Program will lead the coordination for the implementation of high-priority initiatives related to sidewalk policy. They will be responsible for formulating and facilitating a strategy to ensure safety, connectivity, and federal and state compliance of sidewalks in the City of Philadelphia. They will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the City’s efforts of high-priority initiatives related to sidewalk policy and coordinating with private, Federal, State, and regional entities. This position is responsible for work that is part of the Philly Tree Plan.

The position is partially grant funded.

Essential Functions

Lead a sidewalk master plan. The Sidewalk Policy Coordinator would work with the cross departmental staff to develop a sidewalk policy plan that is consistent with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and PennDOT guidance, potentially including:

• Identify physical obstacles in the City of Philadelphia’s facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs/activities to people with disabilities.
• Describe methods that will be used to make facilities accessible
• Specify the resources and schedule for taking the steps necessary to upgrade pedestrian access to meet ADA and Section 504 requirements, including any additional staffing needs
• The plan may also take into account issues not directly related to ADA compliance, such as standards, policies, and process improvements to aid in short-term repairs to address trip hazards, new sidewalk construction, and sidewalk maintenance issues such as snow removal and maintenance plans for overhanging vegetation.

Establish sidewalk repair standards. The City’s current sidewalk standards are expressed in a range of documents, including the City’s Right of Way Improvement Standards, the Complete Streets Design Handbook, and through design detail standards available on the Streets Department’s website. These standards are effective for construction, but not repair. To address this gap, work across departments to develop standards that specify when sidewalk reconstruction is necessary vs. temporary fixes, as well as appropriate materials, and techniques that may be used for each. The standards should consider innovative ways to work around existing elements in the streetscape, like trees, utilities, etc.

Develop a strategy for funding sidewalk repair to create a reliable funding stream to support an ongoing sidewalk repair program, including potential grant sources and city revenue streams.

Citywide analysis: Lead a city-wide study to a) identify sidewalks that are impacted by trees, b) determine the costs and staffing needed to inspect and assess sidewalks impacted by trees, c) evaluate and certify contractors to perform the work, and d) identify potential sources of funding for this work.

Support the City’s Infrastructure Solutions Team in creating pathways to good jobs and growing local business opportunities by investing in comprehensive sidewalk repair – from planning and design to construction.

Leverage existing programs to support sidewalk repair by collaborating with other departments, such as the Housing Preservation Loan Program, roadway resurfacing, enforcement related to sidewalk parking, etc.

Collaborate with outside partners such as AARP, Feet First Philly, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, the Clean Air Council, and disability groups.

Launch an education and outreach campaign to educate City staff, contractors, and the public about their sidewalk repair responsibilities and standards for repair.

Other duties as assigned, including oversight of consultant work and policy review.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Relationship-builder: Ability to work with a variety of people and personalities by building strong relationships.  Can build and maintain coalitions focused on shared goals.
• System Thinker: Knowledgeable about how government systems are interrelated and impact the day-to-day lives of Philadelphia residents. Has experience making change within a large institution like the City of Philadelphia.  Understands how many different factors can affect a project’s ultimate success.
• Organized: Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, estimate timelines, rework a project approach based on unforeseen challenges, work well under pressure, and set/meet reasonable deadlines.
• Action-oriented: Ability to see opportunities, navigate barriers, be self-directed, and problem-solve solutions that enhance the City’s deliverables, processes, and practices.
• Excellent communicator: Ability to communicate articulately and convincingly across different formats – written, verbal, visual, etc. and for various audiences and cultivate effective communication among team members.
• Progress-Oriented: Can set practical goals for large programs or initiatives. Ability to independently monitor progress and evaluate outcomes.
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and return to work after experiencing a setback, delay, or course change.
• Curious: Ability to practice active listening, ask questions to get at the root of a problem, be open to receiving and giving constructive feedback, and have a sincere interest in learning new skills or growing old ones.
• Commitment to equity: Strong commitment to racial equity and demonstrated ability to center the experiences of BIPOC individuals in work environment

Qualifications
Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major coursework in City Planning, Public Policy, Urban Studies, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture, Sustainability, Engineering, Environmental Science or Law
• Four or more years’ work experience with a focus on urban planning, transportation planning/design, engineering, public policy, landscape/planting design, sustainability, or a related field
• Prior work experience managing complex projects or processes in bureaucratic or political environments
• Policy research and/or design standards experience relevant to ADA regulations

Desirable:

• Master’s degree or other post-secondary education in one of the fields noted above

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 and to provide additional explanation in the cover letter.

Additional Information
TO APPLY: Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter as part of a complete application.

Salary Range: $80,000 – $90,000