Deputy Director Workforce Solutions

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.

Our 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.
• Strive to build wealth in communities of color through more equitable access to capital and contracting opportunities.
• Leverage economic research to drive policy and strategy.

For more information about the Department of Commerce, visit www.phila.gov/commerce.

Job Description

Consistent with the strategic priorities of the City of Philadelphia, the Deputy Commerce Director of Workforce Solutions is an executive management position providing oversight for talent and workforce strategies and programs guided by the assessed needs of the business community and leading partners organizations.  The Deputy is responsible for the strategic direction of the unit, making policy, personnel, budget and/or program decisions, effectuating program administration, and supervision of direct staff reports.  They are part of the Executive Leadership team in Commerce and responsible for strategy and operations of department wide functions.

The new Workforce Solutions unit, led by the Deputy Director, will be responsible for the promotion of workforce development activity on behalf of the City of Philadelphia. The Division will serve as a clearinghouse for information related to job training, skills development and strategies related to sustainable employment. It will also coordinate and assist efforts to attract and retain City of Philadelphia employees.  The unit staff will facilitate activity and engagement with employers and workforce agencies that create talent pipelines for the city’s residents and businesses seeking skilled and ready talent in Philadelphia.  The team will also track trends in the employment market to ensure Philadelphia is competitive within our residential talent pool as companies seek qualified candidates for positions.

The Deputy Commerce Director for Workforce Solutions role requires a leader who is performance-focused, an advocate for businesses, residents, and non-profit partners. Workforce partners are an   integral part of   designing and furthering the continuum of workforce opportunities and performance outcomes. This unit touches all aspect of the Commerce Departments mission for economic development and economic mobility.  As the face and advocate for collaboration, partnership and strategic cross-department and city implementation, this role is critical to meet our vision for a city where businesses thrive and grow with a racial equity lens and focus on equal opportunities and level playing field for Philadelphians to be   successful.

Essential Functions

DEPARTMENT

• Communicate and support the mission and strategic priorities of the Commerce department through decisions on staffing, budgeting, operations, and office culture.
• Represent the Commerce Director at events, speaking engagements, and communications with the