About Old City District and the Neighborhood: The Old City District (“OCD”) is a business improvement district established pursuant to Pennsylvania law that provides a range of services and promotional support for one of Philadelphia’s most unique, dynamic and interesting neighborhoods–a community that’s “Independent by Design.”
Our mission is to improve Philadelphia’s historic district as a place for people to meet, work, shop and live. The Economic Development Coordinator will play a key role in implementing programs that supplement municipal services, such as streetscape improvements, zoning and economic development.
The Old City District is a 22-block area bounded by Florist Street to the north, Walnut/Dock Streets to the south, 6th Street to the west and Front Street to the east.
About the Economic Development Position: We are now searching for the right candidate to oversee and help us shape and advance our economic development activities, including efforts in the following subjects, among others:
● Business Support This position will lead OCD’s business support efforts, including assisting businesses in navigating various city permit and licensing requirements such as signage, sidewalk cafes, trash removal, and others. The position will maintain working knowledge of all available OCD and Commerce Department grants and their application processes; provide copies of applications and support to Old City businesses; promote these programs and actively seek Old City participants for such programs; maintain relationships with program managers in Commerce Dept. and other providers, including Storefront Improvement Grant, Business Security Camera Grant Program, Sidewalk Repair & Replacement Grant, OCD Radio Network & Grant Program, Kiva Zip, Instore, Restore, Phila Activities Fund Grants, PHS Placemaker and other programs.
● Business Attraction This position will maintain an online database of available commercial properties and regularly update it with pricing and other information; establish and maintain relationships with commercial brokers active in Old City to facilitate the exchange of information; field inquiries about available Old City commercial space and provide information to potential tenant businesses and real estate brokers; communicate information about available Old City properties to partners at various city agencies; update and post Real Estate Developments list and map to website; coordinate annual event for commercial real estate brokers.
● Economic Development Committee This position will be the primary staff person for OCD’s Economic Development Committee. In this role, the position will coordinate meetings, including various administrative tasks, and undertake additional research and implementation to support initiatives of the Committee.
● Registered Community Organization This position will coordinate OCD’s Registered Community Organization meetings including, coordination between applicants/counsel and the committee, scheduling, recording minutes and drafting position letters.
● Vision 2026 In March 2016, OCD released its Vision 2026 Framework v.1.0 that speaks to how Old City may develop over the next ten years. This position will help prioritize and manage projects emanating from the Vision 2026 plan. (The successful applicant will have closely reviewed this document available at www.oldcitydistrict.org/vision2026.)
● Operations/Administrative This position will also fulfill regular ongoing tasks, including: record meeting minutes for OCD Board of Directors Meetings; update and disseminate staff task lists after weekly team meetings; draft letters, memos, reports and other correspondence at the direction of the Executive Director; conduct district weekly walkthroughs at varying times of day and week, and address/report on issues relevant to business attraction and clean and safe conditions; request removal of private property graffiti via the City of Phila Graffiti Removal Form; enter into and track progress via Graffiti Tracking Log; track Zoning permits issued in Old City via L&I Daily Zoning Report Emails; receive Weekly Cleaning Reports from A.C.A.M. Supervisor each week and enter data into tracking log; review weekly OPS security crew Incident Reports and enter any incidents into tracking log; field calls / inquiries from local businesses and residents, connect them with information and resources to handle quality of life issues; create Annual Community Report powerpoint presentation and draft speaker notes.
Required Skills/Background: We are looking for someone with demonstrated organizational and communication skills (both verbal and written). Additionally, qualified candidates should have:
● Effective communication skills, including excellent grammar and writing skills.
● Working knowledge of city government procedures—knowledge of zoning laws and procedures a plus.
● Ability to prioritize and juggle multiple responsibilities; good organization skills.
● Ability to work independently, and as an effective team player.
Old City District values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates should send a cover letter, resume, writing sample and salary requirement to info@oldcitydistrict.org. Applications submitted without a salary requirement will not be considered. Applications must be received by May 20th at 5 pm.