Strategic Partnerships & Events Project Manager

Company Description With a workforce of over 25,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). OIT oversees all major information and communications technology initiatives for the City of Philadelphia - increasing the effectiveness of the information technology infrastructure, where the services provided are advanced, optimized, and responsive to the needs of the City of Philadelphia’s businesses, residents, and visitors. OIT responsibilities include: identifying the most effective approach for implementing new information technology directions throughout city government; improving the value of the city’s technology assets and the return on the city’s technology investments; ensuring data security continuity; planning for continuing operations in the event of disruption of information technology or communications services; and supporting accountable, efficient and effective government across every city department, board, commission and agency. Job Description The Strategic Partnerships & Events Project Manager is a critical leadership and coordination role within the City of Philadelphia’s Digital Equity Unit, responsible for managing strategic partnerships, institutional engagement, sponsor and vendor coordination, and large-scale Digital Equity initiatives and events that support residents across Philadelphia. This position serves as the primary liaison between the Digital Equity Unit and external stakeholders including City Council offices, universities, vendors, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, workforce partners, and institutional collaborators. The role also leads project coordination and strategic planning for major digital inclusion initiatives including Power Up Philly, Power Up Tours, digital literacy events, youth showcases, and citywide technology engagement efforts. The ideal candidate brings strong project management skills, relationship-building expertise, operational coordination experience, and the ability to manage multiple initiatives and stakeholders simultaneously in a fast-paced public sector environment. This role is highly collaborative and works across all Digital Equity program areas to strengthen partnerships, expand resources, increase participation, and support successful delivery of digital inclusion initiatives throughout Philadelphia neighborhoods.

ABOUT THE DIGITAL EQUITY UNIT

The Digital Equity Unit delivers multiple citywide programs focused on expanding digital access, digital literacy, technology support, and resident engagement throughout Philadelphia. The Strategic Partnerships & Events Project Manager supports all program areas including:

• Broadband Access
• Device Distribution
• Digital Navigator Program
• Digital Literacy Training
• DLA Program Management
• Spark Academy

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Partnership Management

• Build and maintain relationships with City Council offices, universities, technology vendors, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, workforce development partners, and institutional stakeholders
• Serve as the primary liaison for strategic external partnerships supporting Digital Equity initiatives
• Identify opportunities to expand partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives
• Coordinate ongoing engagement with institutional and community stakeholders
• Support partnership development that expands resident access to digital resources and services

Event Project Management & Coordination

• Lead project coordination for major Digital Equity initiatives and events from planning through execution and post-event follow-up
• Support execution of Power Up Philly, Power Up Tours, district device distribution events, digital literacy events, technology expos, Spark Academy showcases, and partner engagement events
• Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, coordination plans, and stakeholder deliverables
• Coordinate partner participation and institutional engagement for events and initiatives
• Support cross-functional planning and operational coordination across the Digital Equity Unit
• Assist with post-event reporting, lessons learned, and improvement planning

Vendor & Sponsor Coordination

• Coordinate technology vendors, sponsors, and institutional partners participating in Digital Equity initiatives
• Manage sponsor communications and partnership deliverables
• Coordinate vendor participation and operational expectations
• Support procurement coordination and vendor compliance processes
• Ensure vendor and partner alignment with City operational and compliance requirements

Council & Institutional Engagement

• Coordinate with Council offices regarding district-based Digital Equity initiatives and events
• Support engagement with Temple University and other institutional partners
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings and collaborative initiatives
• Assist with executive-level engagement and partnership communications
• Support strategic planning discussions with external partners and stakeholders

SIGNATURE INITIATIVES THIS ROLE WILL SUPPORT

• Power Up Philly — Citywide digital access and technology engagement event
• Power Up Tours — Neighborhood-based digital inclusion events across districts
• District Device Distributions — Council district technology distribution initiatives
• Spark Academy Showcases — Youth technology and workforce development events
• DLA Partner Convenings — Stakeholder and partner collaboration meetings
• Community Technology Initiatives — Partner-supported outreach and engagement efforts

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, project management, business administration, community development, marketing, or related field preferred; or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing partnerships, stakeholder engagement initiatives, public programs, or large-scale events
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously
• Experience working with vendors, sponsors, nonprofit organizations, or institutional partners
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and external organizations
• Ability to work evenings or weekends as required for major initiatives and events
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel throughout Philadelphia

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience coordinating public sector or nonprofit initiatives in Philadelphia
• Experience working with City Council offices, universities, or institutional stakeholders
• Familiarity with City procurement and vendor compliance processes
• Experience with digital equity, workforce development, or community technology programs
• Experience supporting public-facing initiatives and stakeholder engagement activities
• Bilingual or multilingual skills preferred

Additional Information Salary Range: $75k-$85k Salary cannot exceed $85,000 All applications must include a cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will be considered incomplete. Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer : 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

*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 View phone number on click.appcast.io or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: