Same Day Work and Pay Program Manager

Position Summary

The Same Day Work and Pay (SDWP) program provides low‑barrier, short‑term work opportunities for individuals experiencing economic instability. SDWP provides Philadelphians with the opportunity to earn $50 – $100 for a day's work and makes Philadelphia safer, cleaner, greener with economic opportunity for all by beautifying neighborhoods through public art, corridor cleanups, and more. The program offers a connection for people seeking additional resources, including public benefits, medical care, and pathways to longer‑term employment opportunities. SDWP serves a unique and important role in Philadelphia’s workforce development ecosystem. It is a core program within CEO’s Workforce Strategies portfolio.

The Same Day Work and Pay Program Manager leads Same Day Work and Pay initiatives, setting goals in collaboration with the Workforce Strategies Director, implementing initiatives, and developing and managing a portfolio of SDWP program providers to achieve program outcomes. The Manager convenes the City’s SDWP Community of Practice, bringing various partners together to share best practices, troubleshoot concerns, and advocate for the needs of participants and the community.

The Same Day Work and Pay Program Manager is responsible for prospecting partners with a mutual understanding of the decentralized, community‑driven community of practice model (CoP) to provide an immediate entry‑point to employment needs and connections to workforce development and resource supports to serve participants equitably and holistically. The Manager will maintain and foster these partnerships through close partner management and ongoing engagement strategies.

In collaboration with other relevant teams across the organization (Workforce, Economic Mobility, Benefits Access, Data & Research, etc.), this position will support CEO’s strategic framework and projects. This position will support the design and implementation of SDWP opportunities with the objective of serving as an on‑ramp to meet interested participants’ longer‑term needs and goals. This position will plan, oversee and be familiar with upward economic mobility initiatives and share information for SDWP partners that will spur employment and resource pipelines for those who are seeking employment and economic stability. A critical responsibility of this position will be to serve as the arbiter of quality, ensuring projects are scalable and attractive to Philadelphia residents.

A successful candidate can operate effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced government department; understands the power of team building internally and with cross‑sector partners; and has a passion for helping Philadelphians connect to pathways towards economic mobility.

Essential Functions

• Advance Same Day Work and Pay programming in the city, building on the strategic plan and incorporating the needs of the participant population.
• Support the strategic direction and set annual goals to ensure successful program systems, operations, and outcomes.
• Provide direction, support, and supervision to the SDWP team to effectively implement program work.
• Convene the SDWP Community of Practice (CoP), consisting of SDWP program providers and community partners, and help build capacity through CoP‑wide trainings and resources.
• Cultivate existing partner relationships and develop new relationships with prospective partners to ensure the delivery of high‑quality and diversified work opportunities and support services that advance economic mobility.
• Lead contracting and selection processes for expansion and maintenance of SDWP and partnerships.
• Oversee onboarding new partners, providing technical assistance, and implementing active contract management to achieve program and organizational goals.
• Engage in program advocacy and communication with stakeholders at various levels to increase awareness of program impact and opportunities, including fundraising.
• Coordinate with City departments and collaborate with workforce organizations, educational institutions, and other community‑based organizations to develop pathways for participants after their SDWP experience.
• In partnership with CEO’s Fiscal, Contracts, and Data & Research teams, engage in regular program oversight, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Commitment to serving Philadelphians, addressing barriers, and supporting pathways to economic mobility.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective leadership skills to manage team workloads and support team growth and development.
• Ability to engage effectively with partners and build strong relationships.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with ability to manage time efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of the Community of Practice and collective impact model and implementation.
• Willingness to grow, learn, and incorporate new knowledge into work streams.
• Strong analytical skills, business sensibilities, and attention to bottom‑line results.
• Ability to operate effectively in a diverse and fast‑paced work environment.
• Ability to comprehend system‑wide strategy/vision and communicate it to stakeholders.
• Ability to generate ideas for program improvements, set goals, and move ideas and vision to implementation successfully.
• Ability to travel to various locations throughout the city.
• Proficiency in Office 365, SharePoint, and comfort with learning other applications.

Qualifications

• 5‑7 years of experience in program development and management, specifically in workforce development, human services, or non‑profit sectors. An equivalent combination of related education and professional experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, cultivating, and maintaining strategic partnerships with community partners, government offices, and/or private employers to expand program impact.
• Minimum of 2 years leading and supervising a team to achieve outcomes while fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Experience managing multiple projects on‑time and on‑budget.
• Knowledge of contracting processes including drafting scopes of work, negotiating terms, and monitoring performance strongly preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Same Day Work and Pay Program Specialist
• Same Day Work and Pay Engagement Manager

Other Specialties, Certifications, Physical Requirements, and Work Conditions

• Regular, in‑person attendance is required.
• Program site visits and occasional event attendance, including occasional evening and weekend activities, are required.
• Successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

Salary Range

• $75,000 – $80,000

Benefits (Perks)

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program (buses, subways, trolleys, regional rail).
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents.
• Eligibility for discounted medical plan through the wellness program.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program to help pay off student loans faster.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships through partnerships with over a dozen colleges and universities (10 %‑40 % savings, extending in some cases to spouses and dependents).

Application Instructions

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.