POSITION SUMMARYThe Department of Commerce is looking to add a new Business Services Manager to the team to focus on business corridors in Philadelphia. The role of the Business Services Manager is to support and provide customer friendly service to businesses that operate within the City of Philadelphia. Each business manager is expected to take a proactive stance in the territories they service, identifying and implementing improvements to strengthen and grow the business environment. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSOne on One business assistanceBusiness outreachEstablish and maintain community partnershipsServe as key point of contact for business owners looking for help in navigating City services and regulations. Represent business concerns to other City agencies/departmentsRecord and maintain business contacts and cases in the department databaseSpecific Duties:Outreach and communication with business owners in the targeted area, with focus on commercial corridors.Establish relationships with existing businesses, Business Associations and other business-related organizations to access and review needs in the area. Assist as needed in building the capacity of local business association.Learn and articulate the steps toward opening a business, regulations around permits and licenses, and other issues common to businesses operating in Philadelphia.Work closely with other units within Commerce and other City departments, i.e., City Planning, L&I, Revenue, Health, etc. to assist in implementation of plans for economic development or to find resolutions for outstanding issues.Track the progress of business client services and economic development projects through client management software.Clearly articulate resources and funding sources and refer businesses as appropriate.Represent the Office of Business Services through public speaking engagements, presentations, and workshops upon request.Plan and hold events to meet the needs of the targeted business community i.e., workshops, presentations.Provide assistance to all incoming requests received through the Department’s “Customer Service Line” and business emailContribute to the goals of the Department through creative initiatives that spur economic growth and community vitality.Manage internal data and reports related to the Office of Business Services performance metricsCOMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESStrong written and verbal communication skills.Proficiency with multilingual and/or bilingual capacities is preferred.Knowledge of small business operations. Knowledge of City, State and Federal economic development programs.Knowledge of private agencies that service the business community through funding, technical support and other resources, i.e., banks, CDFIs, Small Business Development Centers, neighborhood nonprofits, etc. Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback.Data management skills using software such as Excel, QuickBase, or AccessProficient in Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite
