VISTA, Philadelphia Department of Commerce

Posted by on May 20, 2013

Title: Philadelphia Department of Commerce – Language Access and Economic Development Opportunities, AmeriCorps*VISTA

Background:
Interested in small business development and economic revitalization efforts in Philadelphia? The City of Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce seeks three (3) talented VISTA volunteers. Two will serve as Business Outreach Associates, and one as a Business Service Coordinator. Commerce is the umbrella organization for all economic development activity in the city and leads efforts to develop business-friendly strategies to help both small businesses and major corporations in Philadelphia thrive. The Business Service Associates will be responsible for bolstering Commerce’s outreach to immigrant business communities and connecting local immigrant-owned businesses to technical assistance and business services provided through Commerce and its partners. Key partners will include technical assistance providers, community development corporations and business/merchant associations.

In addition, VISTAs will be a part of SERVE Philadelphia, a program of the Mayor’s Office of Civic Engagement and Volunteer Service’s (MOCEVS), a group of approximately 20 VISTAs engaged in departments and offices across City services and functions. As a member of this group, you will participate in monthly meetings, as well as have the opportunity to engage in skill-building, networking, and volunteer recruitment work to support your position with the Department of Commerce.

The Business Service Coordinator will support, implement, and monitor the Department of Commerce’s range of technical assistance programs, including: Corridor Language Connections, Business Technical Assistance Program, and City Services Access Training, with an eye towards tailoring access for immigrant/low-English proficient entrepreneurs. These programs deliver timely and customized technical assistance and tools to businesses and educate Commerce’s economic development conduits/partners on the ins and outs of business regulatory processes and support systems so they may better serve their area businesses. It is PREFERRED that candidates for the Business Service Coordinator position are proficient in one or more of the following languages: Mandarin, African French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, Arabic, or any second language.

The Two (2) Business Service Manager positions MUST be proficient in one or more of the following languages: Russian, Portuguese, Khmer, Mandarin, African French, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean or Arabic. These language skills will allow the VISTAs to build bridges between City services, community supports, and low-English proficient business communities around Philadelphia. The VISTAs will also conduct outreach and undertake business organizing in areas that are lacking strong community based organizations.

Requirements:
•     U.S. Citizen at least 18 years of age
•    Responsible, self-motivated, and able to handle multiple on-going projects
•     Excellent verbal and written communication skills
•    MS Office proficiency required
•    Applicants to the Business Service Manager positions MUST be proficient in one or more of the following languages: Russian, Portuguese, Khmer, Mandarin, African French, Spanish, Korean or Arabic; applicants to the Business Service Coordinator position are PREFERRED  to have proficiency in Mandarin, African French, Spanish, Korean, Arabic, or any second language.
•    Relevant business, economics, or community development skills a plus.

Please email a cover letter and resume to [email protected] and put “Commerce VISTA Application” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted until June 1, 2013. Please specify which position you are applying for.