Senior Economic Development Advisor

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 Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the City by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing our City and to create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.

The Mayor’s Office hopes to continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results.

The Mayor’s Office focuses on the following main initiatives:

-             Public Safety

-             Clean and Green

-             Housing

-             Economic Opportunity

-             Education

Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)

Position Summary

The Senior Economic Development Advisor serves as a key strategist and policy expert for the Mayor’s Office, overseeing large-scale economic development initiatives that shape the future of Philadelphia. This role is responsible for advancing major commercial, infrastructure, and revitalization projects, such as the Philadelphia 76ers Arena, Market East revitalization, and other transformative developments. The Advisor works closely with the Department of Commerce, developers, investors, business leaders, and government agencies to drive economic growth, attract investment, and implement high-impact projects that enhance the city’s economy and infrastructure.

The position ensures that Philadelphia’s economic development strategy aligns with long-term city goals, fosters public-private partnerships, and supports sustainable, equitable growth while navigating complex regulatory, financial, and political landscapes.

Essential Functions

• Leads economic development strategies for major commercial, real estate, and infrastructure projects, ensuring they align with the city’s economic priorities.
• Works with private sector developers, investors, and corporate stakeholders to secure funding, incentives, and commitments for high-impact projects.
• Serves as the Mayor’s Office liaison to the Department of Commerce, Planning and Development, and other agencies to streamline project approvals and regulatory processes.
• Shapes citywide strategies to revitalize key business districts, attract anchor institutions, and enhance Philadelphia’s competitive position in national and global markets.
• Analyzes and advises on policies affecting large-scale development, helping to eliminate barriers, accelerate approvals, and facilitate investment.
• Ensures major projects reflect community needs and economic inclusion goals, balancing development with equitable growth.
• Oversees projects involving major commercial corridors, transit-oriented development, and revitalization of underutilized areas.
• Conducts research on market trends, development feasibility, and economic impact assessments to guide decision-making.
• Works with the business community, chambers of commerce, and industry leaders to support and retain major employers in Philadelphia.
• Facilitates agreements between the city and developers, corporations, and financial institutions to structure public-private partnerships.
• Represents the Mayor in public forums, economic summits, and legislative hearings to promote Philadelphia’s economic development agenda.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Large-scale urban economic development and revitalization strategies.
• Public-private partnerships, real estate development, and commercial project financing.
• Local, state, and federal economic development incentives and funding sources.
• Zoning, land use, and regulatory approval processes for major projects.
• Economic impact assessments, market feasibility studies, and real estate trends.
• Stakeholder and community engagement strategies in major developments.
• Negotiation and deal structuring for public-private investment projects.

Skills in:

• Strategic planning and economic policy development for large-scale projects.
• Negotiating real estate, infrastructure, and commercial development deals.
• Public-private investment attraction and business retention strategies.
• Legislative and regulatory navigation to streamline approvals for economic development.
• High-level stakeholder engagement, consensus-building, and conflict resolution.
• Financial modeling, funding strategies, and incentive structuring for large projects.
• Communicating complex economic issues to diverse audiences, including government officials, developers, and community leaders.

Ability to:

• Drive major economic development projects from concept to implementation.
• Work collaboratively with business leaders, government officials, and community stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives.
• Identify and resolve regulatory and financial challenges in economic development projects.
• Develop and advocate for policies that support business growth and urban revitalization.
• Adapt to changing market conditions and economic trends to position Philadelphia as a premier destination for investment.

Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Real Estate Development, or a related field.

At least 10 years of experience in economic development, commercial real estate, major infrastructure projects, or government affairs, with demonstrated experience leading large-scale, high-impact economic development initiatives.

Strong background in public-private partnerships, investment attraction, and real estate development and experience navigating zoning laws, permitting, and regulatory approvals for major projects is preferred.

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

Salary Range: $155,000 - $186,000

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