Chestnut Hill Business District
Job Description: Community Engagement & Events Manager
About Us
The Chestnut Hill Business District (CHBD) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting small businesses, promoting economic vitality, and enhancing the quality of life in one of Philadelphia’s most historic and vibrant neighborhoods. We work closely with merchants, residents, and community partners to ensure Chestnut Hill remains a welcoming place to live, shop, dine, and visit.
Position Summary
The Community Engagement & Events Manager is a central, outward-facing role responsible for building and strengthening relationships across the business community while driving the district’s event programming, promotional campaigns, and special projects. This position is ideal for a collaborative, creative, and highly organized professional who is energized by working with people and making a tangible impact in a dynamic urban environment.
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: Exempt
Schedule: Full-time; some evenings and weekends required
Key Responsibilities
Events & Promotions
- Plan, coordinate, and execute a robust calendar of district events including two annual festivals, seasonal activations, “shop local” campaigns, and business spotlights
- Manage all event logistics: vendor sourcing and coordination, permitting, volunteer recruitment, budget tracking, and on-site management
- Coordinate with city agencies, contractors, vendors, and community stakeholders
- Develop and implement promotional initiatives that increase foot traffic and brand visibility for district businesses
- Collaborate with Marketing & Communications Specialist and/or PR consultants to promote events across digital, social, print, and partner channels
Project Management
- Lead special projects from inception through completion, including promotions and marketing initiatives in collaboration with Marketing & Communications Specialist
- Develop and maintain project timelines, scopes of work, and budgets; prepare progress reports for leadership and the board of directors
- Coordinate with city agencies, contractors, vendors, and community stakeholders throughout project execution
- Support grant-funded programming by tracking deliverables and contributing to reporting requirements in collaboration with the Executive Director
Business Community Relations
- Serve as a primary point of contact for Chestnut Hill businesses, providing timely responses to inquiries and connecting businesses to relevant resources and programs
- Conduct regular outreach through in-person business visits, phone, and written communications
- Organize and facilitate business networking events, roundtables, and membership meetings
- Gather feedback from the business community and relay insights to Business District leadership to inform programming, advocacy, and service priorities
- Support new businesses with onboarding information about Business District services, programs, and community resources
- Support Chestnut Hill Business Association membership
Administration & Reporting
- Maintain accurate records of events, project activities, and business engagement
- Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for the executive director and board of directors
- Assist with the development of the annual events and programming budget
Qualifications
Required
- 3–5 years of experience in event planning, community engagement, business relations, or a closely related field
- Strong project management skills with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and stakeholders simultaneously
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; comfortable presenting to diverse audiences
- Proven ability to build authentic relationships with business owners, government agencies, and community members
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media platforms
Preferred
- Prior experience with a Business Improvement District, chamber of commerce, economic development organization, or municipality
- Familiarity with local event permitting processes and vendor management
- Experience with CRM tools, email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact),
- Proficiency with Google Drive, Google Analytics, WordPress, and Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to work some evenings and weekends for events.
Education
Bachelor’s degree preferred in marketing or a related field.
Work Location
This position is based in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia, with in-person work at the CHBD office and regular visits to local businesses. Occasional off-site meetings and events are required.
Equal Opportunity Employer
CHBD is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its staff and community.
How to Apply
Please submit a résumé, cover letter, writing samples, and links to relevant social media or digital work to coneill@chestnuthillpa.com