Manager, Vending Strategy and Programs

Position Summary The Program Manager is an integral part of the Commerce Department’s Office of Neighborhood Economic Development (ONED) with the responsibility of coordinating the Department’s vending work. This includes working on strategy and program development as well as specific ongoing initiatives such as Christmas Village Vending, the FDR Park Southeast Asian Market and 4th District Container Park Programs, assist market managers and community partners to trouble shoot any challenges special event vendors may need.  This person reports to the Senior Director, Neighborhood Economic Development within the Office of Neighborhood Economic Development. Essential Functions Vending program management Relationship-building: Management and oversight of contractual and non-contractual relationships with community-based organizations, City agencies, market operators, technical assistance providers, and other agencies engaged in economic development work Ongoing initiatives include Christmas Village at Love Park, Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park, 4th District Container Village, and various pop-ups Project Management: Provide project management oversight of ongoing initiatives, which may involve many partners, to maintain timelines and reach agreed outcomes. Includes regular meeting schedule with project participants, notetaking and meeting management, individual follow up as necessary Troubleshooting: A significant aspect of this work is coordinating the resolution of issues arising in vending marketplaces, especially with compliance, regulations, and marketplace management Resource Development: Identify and develop resources, such as grants and technical assistance, to assist both market operators and individual vendors formalize and sustain their operations Develop tools and programs to assist entrepreneurs and small businesses, start, grow, and thrive Grant management: Review applications for project funding, lead grant award decision making process; review invoices and reports submitted by grantees, Project/Program Evaluation: Data entry and maintenance of program activities; Evaluate performance, effectiveness and impact of projects and programs and make appropriate recommendations Other duties as assigned Strategy and program improvement Gather and analyzing data from Commerce vending program to track progress and identify opportunities for program improvements Work with Commerce’s Policy & Strategic Initiatives team to compile vending permit guides and “how to” materials for prospective vendors Develop guides and “how to” materials for market operators; establish a playbook for successful coordination between City regulatory agencies, property owners (including Parks & Recreation), vendor market managers, and individual vendors Identify and develop best practices for public support of vending markets Participate in policy and strategy efforts to streamline vending requirements, reduce burdens to vendor entrepreneurship, and develop effective communications for vendors and market managers to understand requirements Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to work productively and in partnership with ethnically, culturally and economically diverse communities, at varying levels of formality Project planning methods and techniques. Knowledge of the physical, social and economic structure of the City. Develop relationships with associates, governmental agencies, civic, community and business groups and the general public. The principles of economics and the techniques of economic analysis. The principles and methods used in revitalizing private industry and physical environment in economically depressed urban areas. The principles and practices of contract development, negotiation administration, and control as they relate to economic and community development projects. Competency in a language other than English is a plus. Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, ArcGIS/QGIS, and/or database management skills are a plus. Qualifications Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in one of the following areas: economics, business administration, finance, public administration, city planning or related field. Knowledge of principles and practices of contract development negotiation, administration, and control as they relate to economic and community development projects. Experience with vending or food/retail entrepreneurship, or vendor market operations OR any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Deputy Director of Commerce.