Program Manager, Events and Engagement

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 Office of Special Events and Office of City Representative has combined to become a centralized hub for event permitting, licensing, planning, production, and promotion of over 1,700 events in a calendar year, including street festivals, parades, athletic events, concerts, demonstrations and more.  Office responsibilities have increased significantly, and additional staffing is required to ensure delivery of services. 

Aside from managing the intake and processing of applications, OCRSE:

- Plans and attends event site visits

- Manages all requested event-related city-services

- Oversees interdepartmental event task force meetings and provides guidance to event producers/organizers

- Submits Requests for Proposals for large-scale events

- Handles day-of event management for select, major special events

- Invoices event producers/organizers for City services and equipment rendered in connection with special events

- Manages community/business outreach for special events, including maintenance of website, social media channels, issuance of press releases, etc.

- Represents the Mayor when requested, with speaking remarks, public appearances, and community events.

- Provides proclamations, citations, and public documents in a quick and timely fashion, often completing them with 24-hour notice. 

Job Description

Position Summary

OCRSE seeks a mission-driven, detail-focused individual with exceptional communication and management skills to join the department as a full-time Program Manager.  The Program Manager will be responsible for high-level administrative and planning tasks and development/implementation of department-wide initiatives, reporting directly to the Deputy City Representative.

Job Description

• Lead end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale, high-complexity events, including national conventions, major cultural gatherings, and citywide initiatives.
• Develop comprehensive operational plans that integrate permitting, public safety, transportation, emergency management, vendor coordination, and communications.
• Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations and security protocols.
• Provide day-of tactical level oversight for assigned events.
• Convene and lead multi-agency planning meetings involving public safety, transportation, sanitation, emergency management, and other city departments.
• Coordinate with state and federal partners when events involve intergovernmental participation.
• Serve as a central point of escalation for operational issues and high-priority concerns.
• Manage vendor contracts, performance standards, deliverables, and budget adherence.
• Lead special initiatives within OCRSE that enhance operational efficiency, permitting processes, stakeholder engagement, and service delivery.
• Develop detailed project timelines, scopes, budgets, and performance metrics.
• Deliver executive briefings, reports, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Represent OCR/OSE and, when appropriate, the Mayor’s Office at community outreach events and official functions.

• Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  Knowledge of:

• Event planning and coordination across municipal services, personnel, and equipment.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Government processes, operations and regulations
• Social media platforms and their use for outreach and c