Program Manager, Events and Engagement

The City of Philadelphia is a vibrant, best-in-class urban environment that attracts top talent from various industries. Known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and a culture of passion and resilience, Philadelphia offers an unparalleled living and working experience. Employing over 30,000 people across more than 1,000 job categories, the city provides boundless opportunities for career growth and public service impact. The city government values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and dedication, fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace for its employees. Benefits include comprehensive healthcare, a vibrant work environment, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the community.

The Office of Special Events and the Office of City Representative have merged to create a centralized hub responsible for event permitting, licensing, planning, production, and promotion of over 1,700 events annually in Philadelphia, including street festivals, parades, athletic events, concerts, and demonstrations. This expansion has driven the need for additional staffing to maintain exceptional service delivery. Specifically, the Program Manager position is crucial for overseeing high-level administrative and planning tasks, managing complex event operations, and developing departmental initiatives. The Program Manager reports directly to the Deputy City Representative and leads large-scale events such as national conventions, major cultural gatherings, and citywide initiatives.

The role involves creating comprehensive operational plans integrating permitting, public safety, transportation, emergency management, vendor coordination, and communications. The Program Manager must identify and mitigate risks, ensure compliance with municipal regulations and security protocols, and provide tactical oversight on event days. Leading multi-agency planning meetings, coordinating with state and federal partners, managing vendor contracts, and delivering executive reports are key responsibilities. The position demands exceptional organizational, communication, and project management skills, including expertise in Microsoft Office and social media for outreach. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in business, project management, or public administration, 3-5 years of progressive experience in project management or contract administration, and preferably experience within municipal or public sector contexts. Certification such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma is strongly preferred, alongside a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. This full-time role offers a salary range of $65,000 to $80,000 and requires flexibility to work non-traditional hours to meet the demands of event and operational needs.

Joining the City of Philadelphia means becoming part of a passionate team dedicated to enhancing the city's future and delivering impactful public services. Employees enjoy unlimited free public transportation, paid parental leave, comprehensive health coverage, paid vacation and holidays, and opportunities for tuition discounts and student loan forgiveness. Residency within Philadelphia is required within six months of hire, supporting the city’s commitment to community integration and local economic development. Philadelphia embraces diversity and is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful work environment for all employees. This opportunity is ideal for motivated professionals looking to grow their careers while serving a dynamic urban population.