Program Officer, Community Economic Development
About The Position
LISC is one of the country’s largest community development organizations, helping forge vibrant, resilient communities across America. LISC works with residents and partners to close gaps in health, wealth, and and opportunity so that people and places can thrive. We do this by acting as a conduit for grants, loans and equity--and by providing technical assistance and capacity building--to locally rooted organizations that carry out the work in communities. Position Summary LISC Philadelphia is seeking a seasoned professional with a strong commitment to community strengthening to serve as our Program Officer of Community Economic Development. The Program Officer is responsible for working closely with the Senior Program Officer and key staff to develop the strategic direction for its small business supports program implementation and community economic development priorities. This includes strategy development, support and leadership on program implementation, and resource development. The Program Officer will have excellent organizational, collaboration, communication, and program management skills. The position requires a strong commitment to customer focus and to the role of community-based non-profit organizations (CBOs) as agents of change as well an understanding of key public and private partners who can offer additional resources to the work of community development. With the Senior Program Officer, the Program Officer is responsible for the day-to-day management of all small business support programming and cross-team collaborations to strengthen program delivery.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant requisite work experience.
- Minimum 5 years relevant experience in community development, community organizing, program management or a related field.
- Self-starter with excellent interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills.
- Ability to facilitate, conduct trainings, project management, GIS and relevant research.
- Interest or a background in economic development with a focus on supporting small businesses.
- A strong commitment to furthering social and economic equity is required; experience in a non-profit environment is helpful.
- Working knowledge of the economic, political and social environments of Philadelphia
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex matters and programs at various stages and to coordinate with multiple internal and external parties to meet deadlines.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
Nice To Haves
- experience in a non-profit environment is helpful.
Responsibilities
- Develop a deep understanding of target neighborhoods and commercial corridors, including leadership structures, community assets, challenges, business needs, and local market dynamics.
- Support neighborhood and corridor revitalization through strategic planning, collaborative problem-solving, and alignment of community-based organizations (CBOs), business development organizations (BDOs), funders, and public-sector partners.
- Provide non-technical, strategic guidance on physical corridor improvements—helping partners conceptualize priorities, assess feasibility, and align redevelopment ideas with community goals.
- Strengthen organizational capacity through targeted technical assistance, professional development, training, coaching, and peer-learning opportunities.
- Facilitate learning networks for corridor managers to improve corridor management, placemaking, small business support, and safety strategies.
- Coordinate with colleagues to support projects and systems level work that advance community and economic development priorities.
- Develop, refine, and implement innovative program strategies to meet corridor and neighborhood workplan goals.
- Plan and facilitate meetings, workshops, trainings, and cohort sessions to support program execution and field-building.
- Monitor emerging national best practices in commercial corridor strategy, small business support, and equitable economic development, and adapt them to local context.
- Work with the SPO and BDO Regional Lead to support the coordination and alignment of BDOs within LISC’s broader small business support strategy, ensuring consistent expectations, feasible shared outcomes, and pathways for collaboration.
- Manage grants and contracts with CBOs, government sources and consultants throughout the lifecycle, including due diligence, compliance, monitoring, and reporting.
- Manage data collection, performance measurement, and outcome tracking across corridor programs.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision Coverage: Comprehensive health plans for you and your family's well-being
- Disability Insurance: Long-term and short-term coverage for peace of mind
- Retirement Savings: Secure your future with our 401(k) and 403(b) plans
- Generous Holidays: Enjoy ample time off to recharge and celebrate
- Vacation, PTO, and Sick Days: Take advantage of flexible time-off policies to maintain work-life balance
- Tuition Assistance: Pursue your educational goals with support from our tuition assistance program
- Referral Program: Earn rewards for referring qualified candidates to join our team
- Professional Development Opportunities: Grow and advance in your career with access to ongoing training and development programs tailored to your goals.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
