Director, Mayor's Business Action Team Business Navigator

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 is the economic catalyst for the City of Philadelphia helping all businesses thrive. Commerce creates equitable wealth-building opportunities through strategic investments and ecosystem partnerships to grow quality jobs, build capacity in under-resourced communities, and make it easier to operate a successful business in Philadelphia.

Strategic Priorities:

• Provide trusted guidance and a simplified process to establish, grow, and operate a business
• Drive equitable neighborhood revitalization that contributes to vibrant commercial corridors
• Attract and retain businesses through business resources and strategic investments
• Connect talent to growth industries and to jobs that pay family-sustaining wages
• Build wealth in communities of color through more equitable access to capital and contracting opportunities
• Leverage economic research to drive policy and strategy

Job Description

UNIT & POSITION SUMMARY

The Mayor’s Business Action Team Business Navigators play a vital role in assisting small businesses with complex cases that require coordination across multiple City departments. They provide hands-on support in all facets of business assistance—from licensing and permitting to compliance—helping entrepreneurs navigate bureaucratic challenges and connect to the resources they need to grow and thrive in Philadelphia.  The Director for Business Navigators, is a management and supervisory role applying strategic planning and project management skills to all assignments.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Drives strategic leadership of the Navigators team, addressing complex business issues through direct support and cross-agency coordination

Leadership responsibilities include the following:

• • Supervise and support the Business Navigators team
  • Lead ongoing training to streamline case management and ensure consistent, high-quality service
  • Strengthen internal communication and improve resolution times for complex, multi-agency cases
  • Plan and lead proactive outreach efforts, including workshops and public presentations

Additional responsibilities include:

• • Provide one-on -one business assistance
  • Conduct outreach to businesses
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with other city departments
  • Serve as key point of contact for business owners looking for help in navigating City services and regulations.
  • Represent business concerns to other City agencies/departments
  • Record and maintain business contacts and cases in the department database
  • 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 Mayor’s Business Action Team through public speaking engagements, presentations, and workshops upon request.
  • Contribute to the goals of the Department through creative initiatives that spur economic growth and community vitality.
  • Advocate for business-friendly process improvements while s