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 mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure that Philadelphia is a globally competitive city to which employers flock, entrepreneurs thrive and innovation abounds; to recruit and retain a diverse set of businesses; to foster economic opportunities for all Philadelphians in all neighborhoods; and to partner with workforce development programs and local businesses on talent development ensuring that all Philadelphians can find and retain living-wage jobs. For more information about the Department of Commerce, visit www.phila.gov/commerce.

Job Description

Position Summary

Manager, Commercial Corridor Tree Partnerships will be part of the team responsible for management and implementation of PHL Taking Care of Business Corridor Cleaning.  PHL TCB funds 39 community-based nonprofits who employ 255 individuals as Cleaning Ambassadors to sweep sidewalks and remove litter within 129 neighborhood commercial corridors located throughout the City. The typical TCB crew working within a neighborhood commercial corridor consists of roughly 5 individuals, in uniform, cleaning 5 days per week. Cleaning Ambassadors receive a program minimum wage of $16.35/hour and participate in workforce training activities. TCB has been funded at $23.4M in FY25 and Commerce is managing the expansion of the program which will roughly double the scope of TCB community-based cleaning citywide.  

PHL TCB has four main goals:

1. Maintain clean commercial districts in Philadelphia neighborhoods.
2. Promote the economic success of neighborhood businesses by creating an inviting environment for shoppers.
3. Create work opportunities for Philadelphians.
4. Grow the capacity of local small businesses and organizations that provide cleaning services.

The program is part of a larger effort by the Department of Commerce to enhance and promote vibrant commercial corridors. The TCB Program was championed by Mayor-Elect Cherelle Parker and is a cornerstone of the Mayor’s commitment to creating the Cleanest, Greenest, Safest big city in America, with economic opportunity for all.

The Manager, Commercial Corridor Tree Partnerships is a new position intended to build upon an existing partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce in support of the implementation of the Philly Tree Plan, a 10-year strategic plan for the equitable growth and care of Philadelphia’s urban forest.  

This position oversees the administration of the Commercial Corridor Tree Planting and Care program, a collaboration between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) and the Philadelphia Department of Commerce. Work includes coordinating between PPR’s Street Tree Management Office, the Department of Commerce’s Taking Care of Business (TCB) Program, community organizations and business owners to plant and care for trees along commercial corridors in priority regions of the city.  This program has created a model where TCB Commercial Corridor Cleaning Ambassadors who are employed by community-based organizations provide paid and consistent community-based care for newly planted trees so they can thrive.

This position also works with environmental education providers to organize and administer tree care training for TCB ambassadors from participating community organizations. The Manager will work closely with Community Initiatives Specialist staff at Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and Contract Monitors at the Department of Commerce to support outreach and engagement along the commercial corridors, navigating the tree-planting process, and providing tree care along the corridors.

Essential Functions

Operations and program management:

• Work with the Department of Commerce, PPR, and community organizations to identify new corridors on which to expand Tree Philly and TCB
• Work with Park and Recreation’s Street Tree Management Office to support inspections and species selection for new trees
• Contribute information and recommendations to strategic planning and reviews for the Department of Commerce and neighborhood efforts
• Manage scheduling and phasing of the program
• Coordinate and lead regular meetings between the Commerce Department and PPR
• Participate in Tree Coalition meetings to represent TCB corridors and opportunities for collaboration
• Coordinate and assist in strategic growth of program’s workforce development

Education, Outreach and Communications:

• Participate in meetings with community partners to discuss site selection, engagement process, tree species selection, and to determine locally-specific metrics of success
• Reach out to Taking Care of Business organizations that serve areas with newly planted trees to determine if there are tree care plans and tree services needed or already in place
• Track and regularly report all communications with residents, business owners, and property owners on each corridor and collaborate with City departments to address outstanding needs
• Submit Call-Before-You-Dig requests and communicate with other City agencies to anticipate infrastructure conflicts along potential commercial corridors
• Purchase outreach and marketing supplies, support partners in purchasing tree care supplies.
• Coordinate the printing and mailing of 3 rounds of letters to properties along each corridor receiving new trees
• Invite and schedule subject matter experts to speak at TCB trainings and execute curriculum in collaboration Commerce and PPR partners

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks
• Strong understanding in data representation and reporting
• A passion for community economic development
• Ability to support growth in community-based maintenance work and stewardship
• Experience in individual and organizational capacity building
• Ability to Tree ID and experience with Tree species collection and maintenance
• Experience in creating tree-related curriculum (such as new tree tending, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to work with individuals across different disciplines
• Ability to communicate and/or experience working with ethnically and economically diverse populations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• A demonstrated interest in community greening initiatives and urban environmental justice preferred but not required
• Resilient. Sense of humor, ability to learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback

General Duties of Taking Care of Business unit staff:

• Preparing and implementing action plans
• Resolving problems and determining system improvements
• Preparing project presentations and reports using all appropriate software 
• Drafting status reports, talking points, statements and other written work product as needed
• Other duties as assigned
• Minimal night and weekend work may be required 
• Strong time management and organizational skills, including attention to detail and abilities to prioritize tasks and keep multiple tasks moving simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Data management skills using software such as Excel, or QuickBase
• Proficient in Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of small business operations is a plus
• Knowledge of City, State and Federal economic development programs is a plus
• Proficiency in languages in addition to English is a plus. Multilingual candidates strongly encouraged to apply

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of professional and relevant experience
• Professional experience working in government, and/or with non-profit organizations preferred
• Experience with administration and outreach for economic & community development projects
• Ability to Tree ID and experience with Tree species collection and maintenance

Additional Information

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

Salary: $68,000

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