Non-Profit Community Development Executive Director: East Falls Development Corporation in Wales

The East Falls Development Corporation (EFDC) is a 501(c)(3) non‑profit organization in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA dedicated to community‑based economic development in the East Falls community. We serve the East Falls Riverfront Business District and Conrad Street commercial corridor through technical assistance and convening, cleaning and greening, neighborhood planning, and capital improvements. We envision a thriving business district that is walkable, connected, sustainable, and healthy.

The Board of Directors relies on the Executive Director as the only full‑time employee. EFDC is seeking an Executive Director who understands the importance of community relationships while also possessing excellent organizational skills, entrepreneurial energy, flexibility, and imagination to further the positive economic development in East Falls. The position can accommodate flexible scheduling needs and presents exciting opportunities to collaborate with other influential community leaders and public officials on broad‑based city initiatives.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills and business acumen to attract and retain business to the commercial corridor – or the desire to learn. The individual may come from small business, commercial corridor work, a non‑profit organization, or management in a larger business, but must be self‑motivated and capable of functioning effectively in an independent environment.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director manages all day‑to‑day organization operations, leads and coordinates grant writing and implementation efforts, staffs committees, manages the commercial corridors and business relationships, and promotes the East Falls district as a regional destination. This is an exciting opportunity to embed yourself in a special community with engaged and passionate entrepreneurs and neighbors – while making a real, tangible difference that you can see on a daily basis.

The Duties of the Executive Director include:

• Identify, cultivate and recruit new businesses, and support existing businesses in the East Falls commercial corridors. This involves one on one assistance, consistent and timely sharing of resources, supporting the Business Association, and serving as a liaison to government.
• Research, identify, secure, and manage funding; including grants, loans or other incentives from private and city and state agencies for operations support and special projects along the corridor.
• Coordinate activities of EFDC volunteer committees, ensure good communications between and among committees and the Board, and assist committees in implementing their work plans.
• Shape, manage and drive all traditional communications, website, social media, and print media for the organization.
• Build strong and productive working relationships with public agencies, other non‑profits, local developers, property owners and merchants, and other commercial corridors in the City.
• Develop and implement an annual budget and fund‑raising plan with the Board of Directors.
• Manage day‑to‑day administration of the EFDC organization.
• Operate, manage and maintain EFDC parking lot and organization office.
• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision, strategic plan and programs to guide and grow the organization when applicable.
• Enhance the organization’s image by being active and visible in the community, working closely with other professional, civic and private organizations.

Desired Skills, Education and Experience:

• Adaptability and ability to work independently.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and ability to build strong relationships and partnerships.
• Knowledge and direct practical fundraising and grant writing experience.
• Knowledge of public space design and construction projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; public speaking experience is desirable.
• Proven marketing skills and experience, including social media.
• Budgeting, fiscal accountability.
• Desire to learn new skills or areas of work.

Minimum of three to five years of experience in:

• Commercial corridors, Business Improvement Districts, Main Street programs or similar neighborhood commercial districts – or equivalent experience.
• Administration in a management capacity, or non‑profit board membership.
• Knowledge of non‑profit accounting, record‑keeping procedures and state and federal reporting requirements for 501(c)(3) non‑profit organizations is preferred.
• Direct experience with City of Philadelphia business improvement programs and other successful business development strategies, or previous experience as a Corridor Manager in a similar urban area, is a significant plus.
• Demonstrated experience and aptitude for building and managing a diverse stakeholder community in support of the organization’s mission.
• Bachelor’s degree required; graduate work in a relevant field is preferred.

Salary: $65,000 to $75,000, with benefits, commensurate with experience.

To Apply: Interested applicants should submit a resume by January 16, 2026. Please include a cover letter that describes both relevant experience and personal interest in East Falls. The EFDC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against employees and applicants based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, genetic information, or veterans’ status.