Vice President of Business and Workforce 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 Philadelphia International Airport is the only major airport serving the 9th largest metropolitan area in the United States. It is one of the busiest airports in the country, serving more than 30 million passengers annually. Twenty-seven airlines, including all domestic carriers, offer nearly 323 daily departures to more than 120 destinations worldwide. The airport generates $16.8 billion to the economy and accounts for 106,000 full time jobs. 

The Northeast Philadelphia airport is situated on 1150 acres in the northeast part of the City of Philadelphia, PNE is Pennsylvania’s third busiest airport, providing “on call” US Customs, Immigrations and United States Department of Agriculture services to corporate international travel. The Airport averages 215-based aircraft, dominated by single engine aircraft, plus twins, jets, turboprops and helicopters.

The Vice President of Business and Workforce Engagement oversees two programmatic areas that build capacity for future business and workforce pipelines.  This position provides operational and strategic oversight of the Airport’s small business engagement initiatives and workforce engagement programs, serving employees and stakeholders.  The business engagement portfolio includes planning, directing, administrating, and coordinating programs, operations, and management of programs designed to increase the pipeline and success of small businesses for opportunities at the Airport.  Included in this is the Airport’s management of its compliance with USDOT-required regulations for small businesses, which currently include the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concessions DBE (ACDBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) requirements.  The workforce engagement portfolio includes the executive oversight and strategic direction for department-wide internship and mentorship programs, and employee engagement programs and initiatives.  The Vice President supports the executive team in meeting DOA goals and objectives by recommending and implementing programs that align with the mission and strategy.  

This position reports to the Chief Administrative Officer. 

• Direct programs and initiatives to increase the capacity of small businesses in FAA-regulated areas such as Airport concessions and FAA-funded contracts (primarily capital development projects).  

• Ensure timely, correct, and complete submission of required documents to the FAA related to DBE/ACDBE/SBE regulations. 

• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure that procurements and opportunities include regulatorily required language and practices related to DBE/ACDBE/SBE requirements. 

• Serves as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-required DBE/ACDBE Liaison Officer.  

• Serve as the Airport’s liaison to the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program, the statewide body that certifies DBE/ACDBE firms. 

• Periodically report directly and independently to the CEO on DBE/ACDBE matters. 

• Interfaces and coordinates with internal business partners in the development, planning, forecasting, execution and troubleshooting of projects, processes, and initiatives in which SBE compliance are major components.  

• Supervises and leads participation in ongoing projects and oversees the development and utilization of tracking and reporting mechanisms to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.  

• Manages any conflicts or concerns to ensure compliance with federal and state policy.  

• Develop a comprehensive multi-year workforce engagement strategy that aligns with the strategic goals and objectives of the DOA and the City of Philadelphia.   

• Develop best practices, programs and initiatives that promote employee engagement including but not limited to the employee recognition and rewards program, engagement surveys, resource and affinity groups, etc.  

• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.   

• Ensures that practices, processes, and programs are impartial, fair and provide equal possible outcomes for every individual.  

• Act as liaison to and between DOA internal and external stakeholders to optimize relationships in support of DOA and City interests. 

• Work in partnership with internal stakeholders to keep employees informed of DOA’s direction, important events, and decisions. 

• Other duties as required. 

Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resources, Organizational Development, or related field. Master’s Degree in related field is a plus. 

Seven (7) years’ experience directing federal programs for small businesses or employee engagement programs.  Experience includes applying relevant rules, regulations, and exercising responsibility for the development of policies or procedures. Four (4) years of supervisory/managerial experience is preferred.  

Demonstrated experience in building strong partnerships both internally and externally. 

Knowledge of applicable laws, principles and practices including knowledge of state and federal regulations and laws. 

Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills, strategic and innovative thinking, and ability to persuade and influence, possessing professional presence and the ability to build enthusiasm and commitment. 

Superior writing and communication skills with unwavering attention to detail. 

Excellent organizational and management skills; must be able to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize appropriately. 

An ideal candidate will also have a steady pulse on the latest news, innovations, and events happening in these areas.  

SECURITY REQUIREMENT 

Must pass and maintain SIDA (Security Identification Display Area) and AOA (Airfield Operations Area) clearance at the time of appointment and during tenure of employment. 

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $160,000 - $180,000

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