The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and economic development, advocating for sound public policy, and serving our members with outstanding programs and benefits. GPCC is the premier advocate of the region’s business community, representing approximately 4,500 member companies in 11 counties across three states with one voice.

We are currently seeking a Manager, Local Government & Civic Affairs, who will serve as the Chamber’s primary advocate at City Hall, monitoring all city legislation and issues as they impact Chamber members in the local business community. This individual manages legislative and public engagement strategies with city government. The Manager, Local Government & Civic Affairs will also be part of a new Chamber team, Civic Affairs, designed to bring together Chamber businesses, civic organizations, and neighborhood-based businesses and groups around a shared agenda of growth and prosperity citywide.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with City Council members, staff and the Kenney Administration.
• Assist in the development of the Chamber’s local public policy agenda; analyze proposed legislation and emerging issues and recommend the Chamber’s approach and action.
• Prepare and present testimony to City Council on behalf of the Chamber and its membership, as needed.
• Plan and manage local legislative committee meetings; obtain guest local government speakers, as needed.
• Provide local legislative updates for Chamber’s Weekly Report and for monthly Policy Legislation & Research Committee meetings.
• Work with Programs & Events and Civic Affairs & Local Advocacy teams to coordinate annual City Council reception, Mayor’s Cabinet reception, annual Mayor’s Luncheon, and other Civic Affairs programming.
• Assist Chamber members who need assistance with city-related functions (i.e. L&I, Commerce, etc.).
• Assist Civic Affairs team in building upon the successful Roadmap for Growth campaign, which the Chamber has conducted – with 145 civic and neighborhood partners – across Philadelphia over the past two years.
• Engage the Kenney Administration and City Council through Civic Affairs with a broad civic-based coalition to achieve results fostering growth and prosperity citywide.
• Utilize own network to generate business leads for Chamber’s Member Engagement & Sales teams.

Job Specifications & Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. 2-5 years of experience, either in local government, with a non-profit organization, or a neighborhood-based civic or business organization.
3. Knowledge of Philadelphia and its various constituencies is a plus.
4. Knowledge of the city’s public and political infrastructure is a plus.
5. Ability to communicate effectively with the region’s business, civic, community and academic leaders.
6. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects; flexibility to adjust to changing priorities.
7. Strong organizational skills.
8. Exceptional interpersonal abilities; professional written and verbal communication skills.
9. Strong work ethic; approaches work with a sense of purpose and urgency.

Work Conditions/Physical Demands
The Manager, Local Government & Civic Affairs works in a typical office environment. On a standard work day, the majority of time is spent sitting at a desk, using the computer and speaking on the phone. However, the Manager, Local Government & Civic Affairs will be often be required to attend Chamber events or related outside meetings/events on behalf of the Chamber. These meetings/events may take place outside of regular business hours and outside of Center City Philadelphia.

Wilmington Renaissance Corporation seeks a full-time Deputy Managing Director.  This position will work with the Managing Director to provide leadership to develop and implement initiatives related to WRC’s strategic plan and the Creative District initiative.

Wilmington Renaissance Corporation, founded in 1993, is a privately funded, nonprofit and nonpartisan organization committed to stimulating the city’s economy, attracting new residents and fostering ideas that enrich the city’s culture.  A creative placemaking and downtown revitalization initiative, the Creative District is focused on innovative production and consumption, where both creative entrepreneurs (artists, musicians, designers and tech innovators) and neighborhood residents thrive and where locally designed goods and original works are made and sold.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

This position provides additional capacity within the organizational leadership in order to accomplish WRC’s goals and the goals of the Creative District. Job functions include:

• With the Managing Director and Board Development Committee, develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy;
• With the Managing Director and relevant board members/committees, establish new relationships with potential funders;
• When needed, support grant writing team with development of required content;
• Serve as project lead for development of economic development and finance strategies for key business development projects (ex: NextFab, kitchen incubator, Art-O-Mat/shared studio spaces, etc.);
• Serve as project lead for research and development of new economic and business development models that grow community wealth (ex: co-ops);
• Assist in building collaborations and cultivating partnerships, particularly with implementation partners and influential city and state leaders;
• Provide feedback and content when needed on marketing and communications strategies.

JOB SPECIFICS

The successful candidate is required to have:

• Minimum seven years demonstrated related or relevant experience (particularly in at least two of the following areas – economic development, fundraising, government relations, marketing);
• Exemplary project management skills;
• An ability to problem-solve creatively;
• Exemplary work ethic;
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment;
• Excellent computer skills;
• Strong organizational skills;
• Superior communication skills – written, verbal and interpersonal;
• Ability to create and utilize spreadsheets;
• Ability to find creative solutions and be adaptive to local constrictions;
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Ability to work flexibly, including some evening and weekend hours.

The successful candidate may also demonstrate:

• Experience in or awareness of economic development, community development, creative placemaking and placemaking strategies;
• Ability to be self-directed and a self-starter;
• Capacity to work well both independently and as part of a team of individuals with a range of specialties;
• Creative thinking and problem solving;
• Ability and passion for building group cohesion and motivating others to action;
• The ability to prioritize tasks and follow consistent routines;
• Strong interpersonal skills – listening, patience, empathy;
• An ability to adapt communication skills to a variety of stakeholders;
• Experience working with and serving stakeholders across lines of race, class, education, generation and sexual orientation;
• Knowledge of Wilmington and West Center City.

OTHER JOB INFORMATION

This position includes full benefits (health, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance).  There is no relocation allowance.  Delaware residency is required. Salary is commensurate with experience.  Much of the work will take place in the downtown Wilmington neighborhoods of West Center City and Quaker Hill.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Further information about Wilmington Renaissance Corporation can be found atwww.bigideaswilmington.com. Further information about Creative District Wilmington can be found at www.creativedistrictwilm.com.