Economic Development Manager, University City District

Posted by on January 07, 2013

Economic Development Manager
Planning and Economic Development

University City District is a non-profit, special services district leveraging a unique partnership of universities, health systems, large and small businesses and community groups that invests in world-class public spaces, addresses public maintenance and public safety issues, brings life to commercial corridors, promotes job growth and innovation, and connects low income residents to career opportunities. UCD’s Planning and Economic Development Department promotes a vibrant and walkable University City with the development and stewardship of public spaces and other pedestrian infrastructure (including The Porch at 30th Street Station), business attraction and retention, market research and data, transportation management, and other urban planning and sustainability work.

Position Description
University City District seeks an entrepreneurial and highly-motivated individual to assist the Director of Planning and Economic Development build and implement a program of work focused on retaining and growing commercial activity in University City. This is a new position, reflecting University City’s growth as a key pillar in the region’s economy and a core retail and commercial hub that substantially extends Philadelphia’s central business district. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:

• Manage all aspects of University City District’s retail attraction initiative, including creating recruitment materials, vetting, recruiting and cultivating prospects, collaborating with institutional and private developers; providing retailers and brokers with information about vacant spaces, and maintaining various databases;
• Assist with initiatives relating to the attraction and retention of businesses, talent, and private investment in University City;
• Develop and execute business plans for collaborative endeavors as varied as coworking space, a pop-up beer garden, food vending at The Porch at 30th Street Station, and a vacant lot commercial farm, for example;
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of state, city, and private sector programs, incentives and other resources available to support the location and retention of commercial activity in University City;
• Represent University City District in dealings with governmental and regulatory agencies, funders, community and stakeholder groups, and the general public;
• Prepare and manage budgets and timelines for projects and ongoing programs; and
• Create graphs, charts, briefings, and other analyses to support overall economic development efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in one of the following or a related discipline: business, public administration, economics, urban planning, or real estate;
• Minimum of three years work experience in some combination of economic development, market research, or sales and marketing;
• Strong project management experience with duties including project implementation from conception to completion;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and sales ability;
• Strong writing and organizational skills;
• Ability to think analytically and to develop creative solutions to evolving challenges; and
• Strong knowledge of and passion for cities and urban development.

To apply, please email a thoughtful cover letter, a resume, and salary requirements to hr@universitycity.org.
University City District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, race, gender, religion, handicap, or sexual orientation.