Program Manager, Events and Engagement

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. 

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 communications.

• Skill in:

• Strong organizational and management skills with ability to set clear expectations.
• Coordination across multiple departments and stakeholder organizations.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proven project management and contract administration expertise.
• Teamwork and relationship-building skills that foster respect, approachability, and collaboration.
• Ability to:
• Value and encourage diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Meet physical requirements including long hours in the field and strenuous activity such as walking distances.
• Work flexible, non-traditional hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet event and operational needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Project Management, or Public Administration.
• 3–5 years of progressive experience in project management, contract administration, or executive leadership support, preferably in government or large public sector organizations.
• PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or other recognized project management certifications strongly preferred.
• Experience in municipal government or public sector is strongly preferred.
• Any combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Valid PA state-issued driver’s license required.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $65,000- $80,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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.
• 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 [email protected].

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