Job Description

The Department of Commerce is looking to add a new bilingual Business Services Manager to the team, Mandarin speaking, in order to meet the needs of the businesses in our community. The role of the Business Services Manager is to support and provide customer friendly service to businesses that operate within the City of Philadelphia. Each business manager is expected to take a proactive stance in the territories they service, identifying and implementing improvements to strengthen and grow the business environment.

Qualified applicants must have the ability to speak, read and write in English and Mandarin.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• One on One business assistance
• Business outreach
• Establish and maintain community partnerships
• Serve as key point of contact for business owners looking for help in navigating City services and regulations.
• Represent business concerns to other City agencies/departments
• Record and maintain business cases in the department database

Specific Duties:

• Outreach and communication with English and Mandarin speaking business owners in the targeted area, with focus on commercial corridors.
• Establish relationships with existing businesses, Business Associations, and other business-related organizations to access and review needs in the area. Assist as needed in building the capacity of local business association.
• Learn and articulate the steps toward opening a business, regulations around permits and licenses, and other issues common to businesses operating in Philadelphia.
• Work closely with other units within Commerce and other City departments, i.e., City Planning, L&I, Revenue, Health, etc. to assist in implementation of plans for economic development or to find resolutions for outstanding issues.
• Track the progress of business client services and economic development projects through client management software.
• Clearly articulate resources and funding sources and refer businesses as appropriate.
• Represent the Office of Business Services through public speaking engagements, presentations, and workshops upon request.
• Plan and hold events to meet the needs of the targeted business community i.e., workshops, presentations.
• Provide assistance to all incoming requests received through the Department’s “Customer Service Line” and business email
• Contribute to the goals of the Department through creative initiatives that spur economic growth and community vitality.
• Manage internal data and reports related to the Office of Business Services performance metrics

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with multilingual and/or bilingual capacities is preferred (Mandarin).
• Knowledge of small business operations.
• Knowledge of City, State and Federal economic development programs.
• Knowledge of private agencies that service the business community through funding, technical support and other resources, i.e., banks, CDFIs, Small Business Development Centers, neighborhood nonprofits, etc.
• Resilient: Ability to have a sense of humor, learn from mistakes, and/or return to work after experiencing a setback.
• Data management skills using software such as Excel, QuickBase, or Access
• Proficient in Google Docs and Microsoft Office Suite

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of experience working with small business owners is preferred.
• Language preferred, Mandarin
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of experience working with small business owners is preferred.
• Language preferred, Mandarin

Additional Information

TO APPLY: INTERESTED CANDIDATES MUST SUBMIT A COVER LETTER, WRITING SAMPLE AND RESUME.

Salary: $58,000

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

*THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

_PLEASE NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 1, 2021 THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA IS REQUIRING ALL NEW EMPLOYEES TO PRESENT PROOF OF VACCINATION AGAINST COVID-19. _

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.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx