Director of Community Development: Friends of the Rail Park

Bryn Mawr College; Wales; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A community development organization based in Philadelphia seeks a Director of Community Development to lead their equitable development strategy. Responsibilities include managing development plans, stakeholder engagement, and resource development. The ideal candidate has a graduate degree and 7+ years of experience in urban planning or related fields. The role offers a salary of USD $80,000 - $90,000 per year with a comprehensive benefits package including health and retirement options.

Benefits

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401k

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in urban planning, policy, or community development.
• Demonstrated expertise in executing economic development and housing policies.
• Exceptional ability to manage complex projects and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of the Rail Park Equitable Development Plan.
• Manage the RFQ process and contract negotiations.
• Cultivate partnerships with nonprofits and government agencies.

Skills

Urban planning

Policy development

Economic development

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Education

Graduate degree in urban planning or related field

Job description

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Community Development (DCD) will lead Friends of the Rail Park’s (FRP) equitable development strategy, including the creation and implementation of the Rail Park Equitable Development Plan. This senior-level position is central to advancing FRP’s mission of fostering equitable and sustainable growth in the neighborhoods surrounding the Rail Park. The DCD will also collaborate with the Executive Director to pursue innovative value‑capture strategies, ensuring the long‑term viability and impact of the Rail Park.

The DCD’s responsibilities include project management, stakeholder engagement, resource development, and organizational leadership. The ideal candidate will have experience in urban planning, policy, and economic development, along with deep connections within Philadelphia’s civic and professional networks. This role requires a proven ability to manage complex projects, engage diverse stakeholders, and deliver impactful results on the ground.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Equitable Development Plan Leadership and Project Management

• Lead the development and implementation of the Rail Park Equitable Development Plan, ensuring alignment with FRP’s mission and community priorities.
• Manage the RFQ process, contract negotiations, and oversight of consultant teams.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans, including milestones, deliverables, and timelines.
• Coordinate project meetings, track progress, and ensure accountability among consultants and stakeholders.
• Maintain high‑quality standards through regular status updates, detailed reporting, and quality control.

Value‑Capture Strategy Development

• Partner with the Executive Director to explore and implement value‑capture mechanisms.
• Engage with policymakers, government agencies, and community stakeholders to build consensus and secure necessary approvals.
• Conduct research, analyze data, and develop actionable recommendations to advance economic development initiatives.

Stakeholder Outreach and Partnership Development

• Cultivate and strengthen partnerships with nonprofits, government agencies, anchor institutions, community groups, and businesses to support equitable development goals.
• Establish and lead an Equitable Development Plan Advisory Committee to guide strategy and implementation.
• Conduct ongoing community outreach, including public presentations and stakeholder engagement, to ensure transparency and inclusivity.

Resource Development

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to identify and articulate funding priorities.
• Research, track, and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, corporate sponsorships, and philanthropic support.
• Support the preparation of funding applications and ensure compliance with reporting requirements.

Organizational Development and Leadership

• Integrate best practices in urban planning, policy, and economic development into FRP’s initiatives.
• Develop systems to capture community input, analyze data, and communicate progress effectively.
• Manage and develop team members, including interns, project managers, and consultants, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Represent FRP at community events, professional gatherings, and public forums.

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience: Graduate degree in urban planning, public policy, economic development, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in urban planning, policy, economic development, or community development.
• Technical Expertise: Demonstrated expertise and/or track record of executing economic development, housing policy, and/or value‑capture strategies.
• Community Engagement: Proven track record of engaging diverse communities and building strong partnerships to advance equitable development initiatives.
• Project Management: Exceptional ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and timelines while delivering high‑quality results.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate FRP’s mission and objectives clearly and effectively.
• Analytical Skills: Strong research and analytical capabilities to investigate issues, synthesize data, and develop actionable recommendations.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead teams, develop staff, and foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Networking: Well connected within Philadelphia’s civic, nonprofit, and governmental networks, with a deep understanding of local dynamics.
• Flexibility: Willingness to participate in evening and weekend events as needed to support community outreach and engagement efforts.

The Director of Community Development will be based in Philadelphia, working out of Friends of the Rail Park’s offices on a hybrid schedule (in‑office Tuesday through Thursday and remote on Mondays and Fridays). This position also requires occasional attendance at in‑person meetings and events during evenings and weekends.

Reports to: Executive Director

About Friends of the Rail Park:

Friends of the Rail Park is the 501c3 organization on a mission to build bold, transformative and inclusive public space that connects Philadelphia’s residents and visitors to the city and each other. For more information, please visit therailpark.org.

Friends of the Rail Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer and having a diverse staff is a fundamental principle, where employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation/affectional preference, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established under law.

USD$80,000 – $90,000 / year

Benefits package includes health, dental, and vision insurance as well as 401k.

Send a single PDF labeled “YourLastName_YourFirstName” to [e-mail] that includes a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples (preferably related to urban planning or community development). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with a closing date of February 28, 2025.

References will be contacted as the hiring process moves forward.