Commercial Corridor and Small Business Support Manager

New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) is a community development corporation committed to sustainable development in housing opportunities, economic development, vacant land strategies, community engagement, and real estate development. NKCDC advances social equity and economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live and actively shaping their neighborhoods of choice. To that end, NKCDC provides free resources to residents and businesses in the Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond neighborhoods.

NKCDC has a strong reputation, both locally and nationally, with longstanding credibility of serving as a trusted and valuable partner and collaborator. The organization is currently one of only two community development organizations in the City of Philadelphia that are chartered members of the NeighborWorks America network. Our current work using a trauma-informed community engagement model, applying a racial equity lens across the organization, and leading programs at the intersection of health and housing are keeping NKCDC at the cutting edge of community development. NKCDC draws on the strengths of the communities in Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond — a population of over 62,800, 23% of whom live below the federal poverty level — to make sure neighborhood development benefits all residents. More information can be found at nkcdc.org.

Function

This role supports NKCDC’s efforts to enhance economic development and neighborhood revitalization in Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond. Working with the VP of Real Estate & Economic Development and Deputy Executive Director, the position focuses on managing commercial corridors, fostering small business growth, and coordinating economic development programs. Responsibilities include business outreach, service provider network management, community engagement, public safety advocacy, event planning, and management oversight for the corridor steward team. The role also involves tracking available commercial spaces and ensuring the successful implementation of development initiatives to improve the community’s economic conditions. Our goals include supporting existing small businesses; reducing vacancy rates and increasing employment on our commercial corridors; and helping commercial corridors meet the needs of community residents.

Funding 

This position is funded by City of Philadelphia Targeted Corridor Management Program (TCMP) and Taking Care of Business (TCB) grants.

Reports to

Vice President of Real Estate & Economic Development

Direct Report/Supervises

Commercial Corridor Coordinator and Commercial Corridor Stewards (joint responsibility with another Commercial Corridor Manager)

Responsibilities

Grant Execution & Compliance:

• Implement the grants supporting NKCDC’s economic development work in compliance with grant terms; carry out reporting responsibilities and assist with grant invoicing.

Commercial Corridor Management:

• Oversee the commercial corridors of Front/Kensington, East Girard, Frankford Ave, and Richmond/Allegheny.
• Coordinate revitalization efforts with businesses along these corridors to support community growth and economic development.

Business Support & Outreach:

• Engage with local small businesses to understand their needs, connect them with relevant service providers and resources, and facilitate participation in economic development programs, including facade improvement and other initiatives.
• Continue the development of the Kensington Business Coalition.

Small Business Services Coordination:

• Identify and connect businesses with professional service providers that offer specialized support (e.g., marketing, legal, accounting).
• Ensure these providers meet the qualifications, licensing, and insurance standards necessary to work with businesses.

Workshops & Training:

• Organize and conduct workshops on topics relevant to small business owners, focusing on strengthening business operations and growth.

Service Provider Network Management:

• Build and maintain a network of qualified service providers to support the needs of small businesses along the commercial corridors.

Business Survey & Data Tracking:

• Conduct annual business surveys and track economic conditions along the corridors to identify trends and tailor support services accordingly.
• Document and report ongoing efforts in the customer relationship management (CRM) system.

Business Selection, Contracting, & Payment:

• Manage the selection process for businesses eligible for support services, including confirming eligibility, issuing contracts, and ensuring successful implementation of the scope of work.
• Oversee payments to service providers upon the completion of services, ensuring that all processes align with organizational policies.
• Manage the ordering and supplying of materials and uniform support for the corridor steward teams.

Community Engagement & Public Safety:

• Foster relationships with business owners, funders, partners, and city officials.
• Lead public safety initiatives in the commercial corridors; support small business organizing and coordination efforts.

Zoning Committees & Advocacy: 

• Work closely with neighborhood zoning committees and associations to advocate for well-designed commercial development along the corridors, ensuring that new developments align with community goals.

Event Planning & Promotion:

• Organize and implement events to promote the arts, music, and local entrepreneurs in the corridors.
• Showcase local businesses and foster a thriving community atmosphere through cultural and business-related events.

Team Leadership:

• Supervise a team of Commercial Corridor Stewards, a commercial corridor coordinator, and a Seasonal Garden Events Facilitator, ensuring effective coordination and execution of corridor-related activities.

Cold Calls & Business Visits:

• Proactively engage in cold calling and business visits to build relationships with local businesses, gather information, and encourage participation in relevant programs. 

Tracking Available Commercial & Industrial Spaces:

• Maintain and track a list of available commercial and industrial spaces along the corridors to help place entrepreneurs in appropriate spaces, ensuring businesses have access to suitable locations for their operations. Build relationships with corridor property owners. 

Communication & Reporting:

• Communicate frequently through newsletters, blogs, and social media channels.
• Provide up-to-date outreach and status reports to stakeholders and partners, keeping them informed about opportunities and progress of initiatives.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Compensation

The pay rate for this position is $74,947.86/yr. with a full-time schedule, 35 hours per week. To counter pay inequality and uphold internal parity, we use a nonnegotiable starting salary system, while benchmarking our pay to competitive markets in the nonprofit sector. Excellent benefits include an HMO/PPO health plan, long- and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, and a 403(b)-retirement plan.  Work hours are from 9am-5pm. This position will be on-site at our central office, 2771 Ruth Street, Suite 1, Philadelphia, PA 19134.

Application process

Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume via our Paylocity Application. Applications received by January 30, 2026, will be given full consideration. All candidate resumes are considered and kept on file for one year, but we cannot always respond personally depending on the volume of inquiries.

Hiring process

Our hiring process includes a 20–30-minute interview with HR, followed by an in-person interview with the hiring manager, and finally an hour-long “panel” interview with 3-8 staff members. Candidates may be asked to provide a writing sample, deliver a presentation, or submit other portfolio materials as part of the hiring process after the first in-person interview with the hiring manager. Reference checks are conducted after the final panel interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NKCDC provides Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, race, national or ethnic origin, gender identity or expression, religion, language, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or physical ability. We know groups subjected to systemic oppression– including people of color, women, people from working-class backgrounds, and people who identify as LGBTQ – are less likely to apply unless and until they meet every requirement for a job. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other communities who are marginalized.

• 3–4 years of relevant experience supporting businesses, communities, or economic development efforts, or a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as community or economic development, city planning, public administration, or business development.
• 1–3 years of experience in community-facing or public-facing roles, particularly those involving direct engagement with small businesses, residents, or culturally diverse communities.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust-based relationships across differences and work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Self-directed and proactive, with comfort conducting outreach activities including cold calls, in-person visits, and relationship-building in corridor environments.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating teams, projects, or collaborative initiatives, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Solid administrative, organizational, and computer skills to support program coordination, tracking, and reporting.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and sensitivity to the lived experiences of small business owners, community members, and staff prefered.
• Knowledge of city programs, agencies, and business development resources, or the ability to quickly learn and navigate them; familiarity with GIS tools or mapping software is a plus.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team; meeting facilitation or event planning experience is desirable.
• Clear and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to equity and demonstrated experience working with culturally diverse and multilingual communities.
• Bilingual Spanish/English proficiency is strongly preferred.
• Driver's License Required