STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MANAGER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
FULL TIME POSITION: STOREFRONT IMPROVEMENT PROJECT MANAGER WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
About the WDC:
The Workforce Development Corporation (WDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that works closely with the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) to contribute to the economic vitality of the City by promoting workforce development and job creation through public and private partnerships.
Agency Description:
The New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS) helps unlock economic potential and create economic security for all New Yorkers by connecting New Yorkers to good jobs, creating stronger businesses, and building a fairer economy in neighborhoods across the five boroughs. SBS’s Neighborhood Development Division (NDD) assists in the creation and support of community-based development organizations (CBDOs) that advance the growth of commercial districts across the five boroughs.
Job Description:
The Storefront Improvement Project Manager (PM) will lead in the planning, execution and ongoing management of storefront improvement grant projects in Jamaica, Queens, Tremont, Bronx and other target neighborhoods. The PM will coordinate with grantees, contractors, and architects to oversee completion of construction projects, ensuring quality and timeliness; manage relationships with grantees and partner CBDOs; conduct outreach to businesses and property owners; develop and deliver technical assistance and program curriculum to CBDO partners; and assist with other programmatic tasks as needed.
Storefront improvement is a simple way to upgrade the visual appeal of a commercial district, making it a place where people want to live, work, and play. NDD’s Storefront Improvement Program administers grants to businesses and property owners in target neighborhoods and provides capacity building assistance to CBDOs developing targeted programs to serve their commercial districts. Since 2013, the program has improved nearly 155 storefronts across 11 commercial districts, investing over $2 million and leveraging local private investment.
The Project Manager will report directly to the Director of Capacity Building Initiatives.
Responsibilities:
- Manage grantees, contractors, and architects across multiple improvement projects, ensuring timely and quality completion of storefront renovations
- Ensure full compliance with program guidelines and goals, and timely filing of State requirements for New York Main Street grant recipients
- Manage grant contract administration involving liaising with SBS Financial Management Division and SBS’ Legal team to ensure an efficient contract registration process for all grant recipients
- Payment request and invoice processing for program grantees, architect and contractors
- Travel to project sites, monitoring program-wide and project progress as needed
- Track vendor deliverables, budgets, bid pricing, construction milestones, and contract documents
- Draft, release, and evaluate requests for proposals for architects, contractors, and environmental professionals
- Ensure storefront renovations are in compliance with DOB regulations
- Plan and execute outreach to current and prospective businesses including canvassing, phone calls, mailings, and in-person meetings
- Facilitate conversations with a wide range of stakeholders on projects that impact Downtown Jamaica and target neighborhoods
- Build community partnerships through meetings, information sessions, and attendance at community events (when safe to do so)
- Collect qualitative and quantitative metrics on storefront conditions, measuring program impact
- Create program collateral including presentations, case studies, and other communication materials
- Develop storefront improvement program curriculum and deliver to CDBO partners Other tasks as assigned
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency or proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, or other foreign language strongly preferred
- Outgoing and enthusiastic self-starter with excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to lead and manage projects with tight deadlines, driving a diverse set of stakeholders to complete tasks on schedule;
- Demonstrated knowledge of successful project management techniques and best practices;
- Knowledge of best practices and trends in storefront design and construction;
- Familiarity with Downtown Jamaica and/or East Tremont;
- Ability to coordinate and manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, and provide timely and clear updates to supervisors;
- Ability to work in an organized, efficient manner with a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and follow-through;
- An ability to be flexible and willingness to wear “multiple hats” when needed;
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint
- Experience with and knowledge of NYC Department of Buildings permitting and licensing processes; Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, ArcGIS.
- Familiarity with project management software such as Smartsheet, Microsoft Project, and/or others.
Minimum Qualifications:
A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university and a minimum of two years of full-time experience in one or more of the following fields: urban planning, economic development, community organizing, public administration, project management; construction management; or real estate.
*The duration of this position is subject to funding. At least one year from the date of hire. *
How to Apply:
To apply for this position, please email your resume and cover letter including the following subject line: “Storefront Improvement Project Manager – Neighborhood Development” to: careers@sbs.nyc.gov
Salary: $55,000 - $60,000 annually (salary is commensurate with experience)
NOTE: Only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.