Director of Digital Equity

With a workforce of over 25,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential.  

The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia, headed by the Chief Information Officer (CIO). The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) oversees most major technology projects for the City of Philadelphia. Our goal is to use technology as a tool that empowers City employees and ensures residents receive timely, accessible government services.

The Director of Digital Equity serves as the senior leader responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the City of Philadelphia's Digital Equity Strategy and resident-facing digital inclusion initiatives. This position oversees programs designed to increase access to affordable internet, technology devices, digital literacy training, digital navigation services, workforce development opportunities, and emerging technology education for Philadelphia residents. The Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, staff management, budget administration, partnership development, and performance accountability for all Digital Equity programs. This role ensures residents have equitable access to the technology, skills, and support necessary to participate fully in education, employment, healthcare, government services, and economic opportunities.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and implement the City's Digital Equity Strategic Plan
• Establish annual goals, objectives, and performance measures
• Identify emerging digital inclusion needs and opportunities
• Develop long-term sustainability strategies for Digital Equity programs

Program Management & Oversight

• Oversee all Digital Equity programs and initiatives
• Ensure successful implementation of program goals and deliverables
• Monitor program performance and outcomes
• Ensure consistency and quality across all Digital Equity services

Digital Navigator Program Leadership

• Oversee the City's Digital Navigator Program
• Develop service delivery standards and performance expectations
• Train and support Lead Navigators and Digital Navigators

Partnership Development & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with:

• City Council offices
• Universities and educational institutions
• Nonprofit organizations
• Technology companies
• Broadband providers
• Workforce development organizations
• Philanthropic organizations
• Community-based organizations 
• Identify funding, sponsorship, and partnership opportunities
• Serve as the primary executive representative for Digital Equity initiatives
• Strengthen collaboration across public, private, nonprofit, and academic sectors

Additional areas of responsibilities: 

Budget & Fiscal Management

Community Impact & Service Delivery

Data, Reporting & Performance Management

Public Representation & Advocacy

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Information Technology, Community Development, Education, Business Administration, Communications, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in program management, digital inclusion, community engagement, technology initiatives, education, workforce development, or public administration
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience managing a team of 5 or more staff
• Demonstrated experience managing complex programs, budgets, and multi-disciplinary staff
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with government, nonprofit, academic, and private sector stakeholders
• Strong strategic planning, operational leadership, and project management skills
• Excellent written, verbal, and public presentation communication skills
• Experience working with and in service of diverse communities across Philadelphia
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, economic inclusion, and community-centered public service

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Information Technology, or related field
• Experience leading digital equity, digital inclusion, or broadband access programs at a city, state, or regional level
• Familiarity with federal digital equity programs including BEAD, ACP, Digital Equity Act grants, and E-Rate
• Experience with the City of Philadelphia government, OIT systems, or Philadelphia community organizations
• Knowledge of community technology programs, Digital Literacy Alliance ecosystems, or navigator program models
• Experience managing or overseeing frontline community service teams delivering resident-facing services
• Proficiency in program evaluation, impact reporting, and data-driven decision making
• Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus — Spanish, Chinese, or other languages widely spoken in Philadelphia

Salary Range: $110k-$120k

Salary cannot exceed $120k

All applications must include a cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will be considered incomplete. 

Work Setting: in-person (onsite)

Did you know?

● We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer : 25% tuition discount program for City employees (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities

● We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents

● Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan

● Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

● Generous retirement savings options are available

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race,

ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr @phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website:

http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx