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Merchant Organizer

Manhattan Chamber of Commerce
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JOB TITLE: MERCHANT ORGANIZER

MANHATTAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

NEW YORK, NY

 

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce is the convener, voice and advocate of the 129,000+ businesses across the borough of Manhattan, which is home to the largest office market in the country and the largest central business district in the world. 

 

We’re focused on advancing the economic vitality of our city by building a strong and thriving climate for the broad business community, including small businesses and startups, mid-market companies, and large corporations. While there are significant advantages to doing business in New York City, we provide meaningful solutions to overcome the biggest challenges facing businesses here.

 

Since 1920, the Chamber’s mission has been to empower its members to thrive by fostering “game-changing” connections, providing technical assistance to make businesses more innovative and profitable, and working with government to improve the local business climate. 

 

The Chamber also has two 501(c)(3) nonprofit arms: our foundation allows us to provide outreach, resources, education and other programming to the business community. Our community benefit fund provides emergency grants to small businesses in need.

 

Our organization is business-minded, community-focused and future-driven. 

 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC) is seeking a dynamic and dedicated Merchant Organizer to join its team. The MCC is a leading voice and resource for businesses across the borough, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and prosperous economic environment. The Merchant Organizer will play a crucial role in connecting with, supporting, and advocating for the diverse small and medium-sized businesses that form the heart of Manhattan's commercial districts.

This position requires a highly motivated individual with a passion for community development and a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by urban merchants. The Merchant Organizer will be responsible for building relationships, identifying needs, and developing initiatives that directly benefit MCC members and the broader merchant community in designated areas of Manhattan.

 

A key focus of this role will be to lead outreach and engagement for a new Storefront Improvement Program aimed at revitalizing four key commercial corridors in Manhattan: Upper West Side, Harlem, East Harlem, and the Lower East Side. This involves organizing storefront businesses, identifying improvement opportunities (such as signage, lighting, and graffiti removal), and helping businesses access services and funding to enhance their façades. The Merchant Organizer will coordinate directly with city partners and project vendors to ensure timely delivery of improvements that uplift businesses and their corridors.

 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead Storefront Improvement Projects - Conduct door-to-door outreach to evaluate merchant needs, oversee upgrades in collaboration with vendors and city agencies, and manage every stage of commercial revitalization from planning through execution and evaluation. A key focus includes maximizing storefront engagement ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to boost visibility and drive foot traffic, while continuously monitoring progress through data and feedback.
  • Engage & Support Small Businesses - Cultivate strong connections with small business owners, act as their primary MCC liaison, and coordinate meetings, workshops, and networking events to engage and support merchant communities.
  • Identify Needs & Develop Programs - Identify common business challenges, contribute to creating effective solutions, and collect feedback to enhance programs and services.
  • Advocate for Merchants - Coordinate merchant involvement in advocacy initiatives and ensure they stay informed about city policies, programs, and regulations.
  • Enhance Commercial Corridors - Collaborate with BIDs and local groups to improve business districts. Attend trainings and represent MCC at community events.
  • Track Impact & Collaborate Internally - Maintain accurate records, prepare outreach reports, and support Chamber-wide initiatives and communications.
  • Other tasks as assigned.

 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, economics, public policy, or related field
  • 2–4 years of experience in small business services, organizing, or community engagement
  • Strong people skills with experience working in diverse NYC neighborhoods
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented; comfortable managing multiple projects.
  • Demonstrated commitment to small business support and community development
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively with public and private partners
  • Familiarity with NYC neighborhoods and basic knowledge of city services or permitting is a plus.
  • Bilingual skills are a strong advantage, particularly in languages prevalent in Manhattan's merchant communities.

 

 

 

PAY, BENEFITS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time position with general working hours from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday with occasional events or meetings held outside of these times, such as attending Community Board meetings that are generally held in the evening. This is a hybrid position where some work may be conducted at home and some in our Midtown Manhattan office and/or in the field (e.g., meetings).

 

Salary for this full-time position is set at $70,000 annually. In addition, the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce offers the following benefits:

 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick and holidays
  • Summer Fridays

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Candidates for positions with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

 

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a culturally diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law.

 

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to: helpdesk@manhattancc.org.