Program Manager, Events and Engagement

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

13h • $65,000 - $80,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Event planning and coordination across municipal services, personnel, and equipment.
• Knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Knowledge of: Government processes, operations and regulations
• Knowledge of: Social media platforms and their use for outreach and communications.
• Skill in: Strong organizational and management skills with ability to set clear expectations.
• Skill in: Coordination across multiple departments and stakeholder organizations.
• Skill in: Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skill in: Proven project management and contract administration expertise.
• Skill in: Teamwork and relationship-building skills that foster respect, approachability, and collaboration.
• Ability to: Value and encourage diversity of thought, background, and perspective.
• Ability to: Meet physical requirements including long hours in the field and strenuous activity such as walking distances.
• Ability to: 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.
• Valid PA state-issued driver’s license required.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• 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
• As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees