Program Officer – Community Economic Development

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)

Program Officer at LISC working on community economic development initiatives in Philadelphia. Focusing on small business supports and collaboration with local partners in economic revitalization efforts.

Posted 6/3/2026full-timePhiladelphia • Pennsylvania • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $73,139 - $91,424 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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.

Requirements

What you’ll need

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

Benefits

Comp & perks

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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Hard Skills & Tools

program managementGISdata collectionperformance measurementoutcome trackingstrategic planningfacilitationtrainingcoachingcommunity organizing

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillswriting skillsoral presentation skillsself-startercollaborative problem-solvingorganizational capacityproject managementability to manage multiple programsadaptabilitycommitment to social equity