Director of Special Projects

Job Description

The position plays a lead role in assisting the Deputy Director and the Senior Director to implement policy and procedures to increase the solicitation and utilization of M/W/DSBEs vendors. The Director of Special Projects reports to the Senior Director, Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). The role of Director of Special Projects requires a leader who is performance-driven, assertive, and an advocate for the minority, women, and disabled owned enterprises (M/W/DSBEs) community. He/she will implement design and implement new programs, manage existing programs, and assist in the creation of strategies to promote City departments to utilize M/W/DSBEs. This position will be relied on to assist OEO senior management with gathering essential data regarding M/W/DSBE participation for public and private projects to influence public and private agencies to promote the utilization of M/W/DSBE vendors.

• Ensure the compliance with, the Philadelphia Home Rule Charter, the General Provision of the Philadelphia Code, the Mayor’s Executive Order 1-21, and other Federal and State Laws.
• Assist in the implementation and execution of the Mentor Protégé Program and other programs that build the capacity of M/W/DSBE vendors.
• Works with leadership across multiple departments and agencies supporting diversity goals.
• Ability to implement and execute programs and/or strategies to increase the utilization of M/W/DSBE vendors in public and private procurement opportunities.
• In partnership with OEO staff, build partnerships with existing programs that can help to build capacity in the M/W/DSBE community; identify gaps in services.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as required to fulfill job function or as assigned.

Qualifications

· A minimum of 3 years of experience working with under-represented communities.

· Knowledge of the challenges for the M/W/DSBE business community.

· Preference may be given to individuals with a 4-year college degree in a relevant field of study (i.e Business Management, Public Administration/Policy, Urban Studies).

· Must be a US Citizen or have legal permanent resident status.

· Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.

· Ability to influence and persuade public and private agencies on the importance of utilizing M/W/DSBE vendors.

· Strong analytical ability.

· Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.

· Microsoft Office proficiency.

· Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross sector partners and to work as a part of a collaborative team.

· Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion.

· Ability to lead and handle multiple tasks in a tight timeframe.

Additional Information

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program(and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

As a condition of employment with the City of Philadelphia, employees starting employment on or after September 1, 2021 must be vaccinated.

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

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 [emailprotected] For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx