Commerce Director

Company Description

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.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Department of Commerce helps businesses—large and small—thrive in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the ideal home for your business, offering: 

• A central location along the Northeast corridor. 

• A ready and talented workforce. 

• Competitive office rents and commercial real estate costs. 

• Vibrant commercial districts and growing innovation industries. 

• World-class dining, history, and cultural attractions. 

We work to: 

• Attract and grow a diverse set of businesses. 

• Revitalize neighborhood commercial districts throughout the city. 

• Support small businesses and improve their access to funding. 

• Build a strong talent pipeline. 

Increase economic opportunities for historically underserved business owners. 

Job Description

Position Summary 

The Commerce Commissioner serves as the City of Philadelphia’s chief economic development strategist and advisor, leading efforts to foster a dynamic, inclusive, and thriving business environment. This position is responsible for overseeing and implementing policies and initiatives that support both small businesses and major corporations across the city. The Commissioner serves as a key member of the Mayor’s Cabinet and acts as the primary liaison between the business community and City government. 

This Department oversees the following divisions: 

• Business Development 

• Neighborhood Economic Development 

• Corrido Improvement & Business Services 

• Policy and Strategic Initiatives 

Essential Functions 

• Serve as the main liaison between the City of Philadelphia and its various business communities, fostering transparent and productive communication with stakeholders across sectors. 

• Act as a member of the Mayor’s Cabinet, leading and contributing to citywide policy development and decision-making around business growth and development. 

• Develop and execute citywide business development strategies, including initiatives focused on business attraction and retention, job creation, and industry diversification. 

• Lead international trade and investment efforts, promoting Philadelphia as a global destination for business and economic opportunity. 

• Oversee major real estate development projects, working collaboratively with developers, agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure alignment with City goals and neighborhood priorities. 

• Drive neighborhood commercial corridor revitalization efforts, including investment in infrastructure, storefront improvements, and technical assistance to small businesses. 

• Ensure equity-focused economic policy, with programs and initiatives that actively support the success of minority-owned, women-owned, and disabled-owned business enterprises. 

• Promote access to capital and financial support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, including loan and grant programs administered by the City and its partners. 

• Oversee interagency coordination and alignment, collaborating with other City departments and quasi-governmental agencies (e.g., PIDC, PRA) to deliver integrated economic development services. 

• Support workforce development alignment, working with the Office of Workforce Development and employer partners to link economic growth with job training and career pathway opportunities. 

• Lead stakeholder engagement efforts, convening regular roundtables, town halls, and advisory groups to gather input from business owners, industry leaders, and community organizations. 

• Monitor and report on economic indicators, evaluating the effectiveness of programs and policies and making data-driven recommendations for improvement. 

• Promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, supporting initiatives that enhance Philadelphia’s competitiveness in emerging industries such as technology, life sciences, and green infrastructure. 

• Oversee departmental operations, including budgeting, strategic planning, staffing, and performance management, to ensure efficient and accountable delivery of services. 

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

Knowledge of: 

• Local, regional, national, and global economic development trends and best practices. 

• Business attraction, retention, and expansion strategies. 

• Urban planning and real estate development processes, including public-private partnerships. 

• Local, state, and federal development programs and funding opportunities. 

• Principles and practices of small business development and commercial corridor revitalization. 

• Equity-focused economic policies, including supplier diversity and inclusive procurement practices. 

• Public administration, budgeting, and strategic planning within a government or nonprofit context. 

• Regulatory and permitting environments that impact business growth in urban areas. 

Skill in: 

• Strategic leadership and policy development across complex, multi-stakeholder environments. 

• Relationship-building with business leaders, government officials, investors, and community stakeholders. 

• Navigating political and organizational dynamics to drive outcomes and consensus. 

• Public speaking, media engagement, and written communication for diverse audiences. 

• Analyzing economic data and interpreting trends to inform policy decisions. 

• Overseeing large-scale programs, initiatives, and cross-departmental projects. 

• Managing and motivating teams in a high-stakes, mission-driven environment. 

• Advocating for equity and inclusion in economic and workforce development initiatives. 

Ability to: 

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Mayor and senior leadership on business development matters. 

• Effectively represent the City and advocate for Philadelphia’s business interests locally, nationally, and internationally. 

• Translate business development strategy into actionable policies and measurable outcomes. 

• Convene and lead public-private partnerships that catalyze investment and community development. 

• Understand and respond to the unique needs of both small businesses and major corporations. 

• Balance long-term planning with short-term responsiveness to evolving business conditions. 

• Promote and support a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient business ecosystem in Philadelphia. 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Economic, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business Analytics, Marketing, or a closely related field.  

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in economic development, business development, public administration, or a related field. At least 5 years of senior-level leadership or executive experience, including managing large teams, budgets, and cross-sector partnerships. 

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. 

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $167,000 - $205,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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