The William Penn Foundation is a leading American philanthropy located in Philadelphia. With over $2 billion in assets and a $100+ million annual grant budget, the Foundation is a vital part of the civic life in one of the country’s most important and historically significant regions.  The Foundation has charted a vision consistent with its enduring focus on education, the environment and the cultural vitality of Greater Philadelphia.

The Foundation’s core strategies include:

• Increasing the number of low-income children receiving a high-quality education
• Ensuring clean water by protecting the Delaware River watershed
• Fostering a vibrant city through support to arts and culture organizations, arts education programs, and creating great public spaces

The Foundation believes that successful execution of these strategies is critical to the success of the region and seeks candidates who will operate with a sense of urgency, leadership and entrepreneurship in advancing this work.

The overarching aim of the Creative Communities program is to foster a vibrant and creative Philadelphia, by supporting a diverse arts and cultural sector, creating opportunities for educational experiences that increase student access to the arts, and supporting the development of high-quality public spaces as platforms for community and cultural expression and promote increased civic engagement, community building, and connectivity.

Position Summary

The Program Officer will support grantmaking initiatives that advance the following:

• Strategic public space investments that enhance the local quality of life in neighborhoods outside of Center City, especially underserved and under resourced communities, and that promote increased connectivity between communities and reduce community isolation.
• Leveraging the process of developing and programming high quality public spaces to support community building, increased civic engagement, and to reinforce community identity through design innovation, creative placemaking, and historic preservation
• Marshalling civic assets to support the educational mission of local schools by embedding learning opportunities in parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, libraries, and other public spaces and civic assets.
• Utilizing the regional trail network (The Circuit) as an urban amenity to promote increased connectivity between neighborhoods, the region, and to the natural environment.
• Exploring and understanding the relationship between public space/civic asset infrastructure investments (parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and libraries) and community revitalization, redevelopment, and neighborhood stabilization efforts.
• Supporting public/performance art in community and public spaces as a strategy to animate these places and increase access to cultural experiences in under-served and under-resourced communities.
• Developing research and data collection efforts to effectively evaluate the impact of public space and civic asset investments with respect to facility utilization, perceptions of local “ownership”, stewardship, and the effect on neighboring community development.

In addition, the Program Officer will engage in research projects, evaluation programs, convenings and conferences that position and reinforce WPF as a center of innovative thinking and thought leadership in the development of public spaces and civic assets.

Responsibilities 

• Develop specific grants and initiatives and help manage a Great Public Spaces annual grant budget of $18MM, including  research, outreach, due diligence, and preparing written recommendations to the Board,
• Provide support with strategic projects and grantmaking across the Foundation, with a particular emphasis on Public Space/Creative Communities.
• Facilitate project planning, coordination, reporting, monitoring and communications necessary to ensure successful completion of the work.
• Participate in team meetings, planning, and goal setting.
• Develop and execute work in all stages of programmatic work.
• Convene stakeholders across a variety of sectors to advance the work of the Creative Communities/Public Space initiatives and support the strategic frame-work of the Foundation.
• Promote and model excellent external relations with grantees and partners.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Expected Competencies

• Ability to quickly understand information, analyze data, synthesize findings, and make recommendations with a demonstrated ability to learn and master new issues quickly.
• Excellent organization with attention to detail, demonstrated ability to manage time effectively with multiple projects on different timeframes and priorities, ensuring all deadlines are met while retaining quality and maintaining composure.
• Proven goal orientation with a strong work ethic and personal integrity displaying initiative and ownership. Acumen to handle complex situations and multiple responsibilities, simultaneously balancing long term projects with the urgency of immediate demands on the operations.
• Adapt and be flexible with quickly changing environments. Able to identify new approaches to support a dynamic organization.
• Capable and willing to do work at all levels, including thinking strategically and performing day to day activities.
• Team-oriented with strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to collaborate with and achieve actionable results through others with the ability to build strong and sustainable relationships and wield influence within all levels of the organization and with external constituents.
• Ability to make decisions wisely based upon available and sometimes limited data.
• Complex problem-solving skills and comprehension of challenging materials and scenarios, allowing for intelligent risk taking.

Essential Functions

• Strong research, analysis, and oral and written presentation skills including the ability to concisely and clearly communicate to a diverse audience of stakeholders and decision makers,
• Prepare and deliver oral and written presentations to large and small audiences with clear messaging.
• Clear and effective writing style is an essential skill requirement.

Education, Training and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Urban Planning or Landscape Architecture preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
• Certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) or Registration as a Landscape Architect (RLA) preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in one or more of the following areas required: Community revitalization, parks and public space planning and design, trail planning and design, community engagement, historic preservation, public space management or public space utilization data collection and analysis.
• Expertise in administration and/or public policy work related to public space development including design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, budgets, understanding of trends and policies, advocacy, and developing partnerships in field.
• Motivated, high-energy, and self-confident individual with strong research and analytical capability and strategic thinking skills who operates with poise, humility, diplomacy and tact.
• Proficiency with MS Office including PowerPoint and graphic representation skills.

 Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, bend, sit, talk, lift, or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk and use hands and arms to operate general office equipment (PC, telephone, file cabinets, copier, fax machine and printer). The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to ten (10) pounds. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

The William Penn Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and considers applications without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. All who believe they meet the stated qualifications are invited to apply. Nominations and applications may be submitted to wpfjobs@williampennfoundation.org.

http://www.germantownssd.com/about-gssd/careers/?logout=1

Executive Director – Metuchen Downtown Alliance

Metuchen, NJ

www.downtownmetuchen.org

Contact edsearch@downtownmetuchen.org

BACKGROUND:

The Metuchen Downtown Alliance (“The Alliance”) was approved on May 2, 2016 to manage the Improvement District focused on the central business core of Metuchen, NJ.  Metuchen is a Main Street New Jersey community and the Alliance evolved out of Main Street New Jersey, the longest continually running Main Street program in the state.

Metuchen’s District (the “District”) is a vibrant downtown core located about 35 miles from midtown Manhattan and is at the intersection of the NJ Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Route 1, Route 9, Route 27 and Route 287.  A designated Transit Village, the walkable Center, revolves around our historic NJ Transit train station and includes an eclectic mix of homegrown retailers, restaurants, personal service businesses, banks, a 50,000 square foot Sportsplex and the now closed Forum Theater which dates back to the day of Vaudeville.  There are 2 large developments underway in the District, one of which will house a new Whole Foods supermarket.  Metuchen is known for its historic housing stock, its diverse and progressive populace, and for a commitment to the arts and education that makes it one of the most desirable places to live in the region.

The Alliance is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees which consists of 4 business owners, 4 property owners, a resident, a Council member, a Parking Authority representative, a Chamber of Commerce board representative and an Arts Council representative who is also a resident.  The Alliance’s annual $275,000 budget will be used to provide support for existing businesses, recruit new businesses, integrate the new developments with the existing businesses, promote the District regionally, produce events, provide maintenance services, and more. As part of the new development, a Borough Plaza is being developed that will be programmed by the Alliance.

The Executive Director position will initially be the Alliance’s sole employee and will report to the Executive Team of the Board of Trustees. A part time administrative assistant is anticipated to be added in the near term.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for developing and implementing the Alliance’s vision to ensure that Metuchen is positioned as an ideal place to shop, dine, live and open and operate a successful business.  The ED is responsible for the administration of the Alliance’s initiatives and finances as well as the day-to-day activities of the Alliance.  It is a full time position.  Responsibilities include:

• Represent and market Metuchen at the national, state and local levels including funding partners, government officials and stakeholders who include business owners, property owners, volunteers and residents.
• Develop and implement a strong business development program to identify and recruit new merchants and assist them with their start up in the District.  Contacts with regional and national retailers and ability to create new partnerships preferred.
• Develop and implement a strong business retention program to identify “merchants at risk” and offer business owners strategies and programs to improve their business.
• Serve as liaison between the Alliance and the community, acting as the primary source of information and service for stakeholders within the District.  Meet often with business and property owners to help build and maintain the Alliance’s brand.
• Promote a positive organizational and personal image and be available to the public and the media to discuss the Alliance’s programs and goals.
• Oversee, with volunteer teams and partner organizations such as the Metuchen Chamber of Commerce, the creation and production of Alliance events and promotions to drive traffic and economic development in the District including programing the new Borough Plaza.
• Identify and apply for grants on the local, state and national level which can be used to promote and fulfill the Alliance’s goals.
• In tandem with the Board of Trustees, support the program mission, vision, goals, objectives and strategies via an annual work plan based on the National Trust’s and Main Street New Jersey’s Main Street program methodology.
• Oversee administrative aspects accounting, budget development and management, employee hiring and firing, meeting minutes, personnel issues including interns and volunteers, quarterly reports to the Board of Trustees, and record keeping.
• Develop and monitor annual strategic plan and budget working in partnership with the Board.
• Maintain and update Alliance website and social media presence
• Develop and maintain and active database of stakeholders and supporters in the District and community and manage communications with this database.
• Interact with Metuchen Borough government to assist businesses, including to get open, and comment upon new District Planning and Zoning Board applications.
• Prefer that initially reside in the District.
• Attend various seminars and conferences offered by Main Street New Jersey and other business related organizations to stay informed of current trends.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum five years of practical experience in administration, management and implementation of community development programs and/or economic development programs.  Advanced degree and/or relevant cooperative education coursework preferred.
• Energetic self-starter who is open-minded, creative and able to make connections with a diverse and passionate group of stakeholders.
• Proven track record in downtown planning, preservation, economic development, volunteer and community organizing, marketing or related fields.  Previous successful ED history required.
• Proven ability to garner support and engage successfully with community stakeholders.
• Strong social media skills
• Strong written, verbal and public speaking skills
• Strong financial oversight and planning capabilities
• Strong computer and Internet skills, including QuickBooks and Constant Contact, or similar email marketing software
• Strong organizational skills and ability to troubleshoot, multitask and manage several projects at once
• Ability to work nights and weekends when necessary
• Grant writing and reporting experience preferred

MDA is an equal opportunity employer.  Salary will be commensurate with experience.  Flexible benefits to address applicant’s needs. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to edsearch@downtownmetuchen.org.

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.