Job Description

The Office of Innovation & Technology oversees all major information and communication technology initiatives for City government and works to increase the effectiveness of the City’s information technology infrastructure. It also seeks to improve and increase citizens’ access to technology and digital literacy skills. Additionally, OIT offers an innovation service portfolio focused on developing municipal government’s capacity for creativity and innovation.

This role will serve as the City’s program manager for the digital access program, PHLConnectED, to increase technology access and adoption in Philadelphia. This role will collaborate with other City departments, the School District and other local education agencies (LEAs), and community organization partners to develop and expand digital inclusion activities, including the City’s Digital Navigator Network, within their operations and ensuring that those activities remain coordinated with the City’s Digital Equity Plan and supportive of it.

The individual and associated partners will be responsible for several facets of collaboration and coordination, including:

1. Serving as the primary City representative responsible for ensuring the continued implementation and integrity of PHLConnectED and collaborating with Philadelphia’s local education agencies to implement City Digital Equity Plan initiatives associated with K-12 students and families.

2. Maintaining and expanding public-private partnerships with City departments, Philadelphia’s local education agencies, nonprofits working on digital inclusion efforts, local internet service providers, and philanthropic partners to advance the City’s Digital Equity Plan key strategies and goals.

3. Leading a community engagement strategy and activities to ensure that resident input, especially from marginalized communities, shapes the City’s digital inclusion policies, programs, and services.

This position will work with OIT’s Digital Equity Office to implement initiatives supporting the four goals of the City’s Digital Equity Plan. Specific duties will include:

• Managing all partners and their respective contracts involved in PHLConnectED.
• Serving as the primary point of contact between the City and Philadelphia’s local education agencies and other partners centered on digital inclusion activities for school-age households.
• Managing program and initiative budgets where appropriate.
• Developing contracts with partner agencies and ISPs, crafting grant proposals, and other administrative duties required yearly to ensure effective programming.
• Managing all data systems, data collection and evaluation of the overall initiative, including developing goals and the metrics necessary to measure and achieve them.
• Adjusting and tailoring the program as it proceeds to ensure an effective and equitable implementation.
• Building and managing relationships both internal and external to government.
• Working with the City’s Digital Literacy Alliance and other local and statewide digital inclusion coalitions to align digital equity efforts across multiple stakeholders.
• Collaborating with City departments to support incorporating digital inclusion activities within their operations, especially as they relate to digital resident engagement.
• Coordinating with City departments focused on equitable engagement to develop and lead a community engagement strategy.
• Developing and expanding relationships with additional partners like nonprofits, internet service providers, philanthropy, and others to coordinate strategy and partner on digital inclusion activities.
• Developing a funding strategy to seed and sustain programs and initiatives.
• Serving as a spokesperson and representing the City’s digital inclusion work in public settings.
• Capturing lessons learned to inform the City’s overall digital equity strategy.
• Other duties as necessary and assigned.

Competencies

• Communication – you can explain complex issues and ideas, especially to diverse audiences, and you write and speak clearly, concisely, and compellingly.
• Collaboration – you can work closely and build consensus with diverse partners both internal and external to government.
• Accountability – you apply an equity mindset to your work and challenge your own assumptions.
• Self-direction – you can prioritize work and allocate time and resources effectively when given broad responsibility.
• Organization – you can understand and manage the multiple concurrent aspects of a comprehensive workplan.
• Critical analysis – you can analyze and understand data and program metrics to determine the success and future direction of a program.
• Team orientation – you listen to colleagues effectively and contribute to a group decision-making process.
• Management – you can effectively manage the workflow of a team and guide their opportunities and growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required; graduate degree and direct work experience is desirable.
• Familiarity with Philadelphia’s digital access, literacy, and equity ecosystem and/or experience doing this work in other places.
• Experience/knowledge with a municipal government environment.
• Experience working within or with the public-school system or charter school system.
• Experience managing programs that involve numerous stakeholders and parts.

Additional Information

Salary Range: $70,000 - $75,000

Starting salary to be determined based on experience and qualifications.

Important: To apply, candidates must provide a cover letter and a resume.

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee :
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Enjoy a Free Commute on SEPTA - Starting September 1, 2023, eligible City employees will no longer have to worry about paying for SEPTA public transportation. Whether you're a full-time, part-time, or provisional employee, you can seize the opportunity to sign up for the SEPTA Key Advantage Program and receive free Key cards for free rides on SEPTA buses, trains, trolleys, and regional rails.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!
Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.