Communications Director
Job Description
Company Description
A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What we offer
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We care about your well-being.
Agency Description
The Office of Children and Families (OCF) aligns the City’s policies, resources, and services for children and families. Our priorities are:
Safe children and adults.
Supported adults and families.
Strong schools and communities
OCF administers a number of City supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, WorkReady, Community Schools, PHLPreK and Adult Education. The office also oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia.
The Communications department helps internal and external audiences understand OCF services and programs. Some primary functions of the office include:
Public Relations and crisis communications
Engage users with OCF social media presence
Support OCF advertising efforts
Publish performance management reports
Ensure branding and graphic standards are followed and consistent throughout the office
Respond to media requests
Job Description
This is a professional position in the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families (OCF). This position reports to the Chief of Communications & Strategies in OCF and works in collaboration with leadership of its Department of Human Services, Parks & Recreation and Free Library of Philadelphia departments as well as oversees communication of its Prevention, Early Childhood Education and Adult Education division. It plays a significant role in OCF’s internal communications, messaging, branding, social media and marketing of services to employees, clients, the general public, agency providers, other City departments, City Council, and other partners.
Essential Functions
Secure positive press coverage of programs and initiatives
Streamline the flow of information within OCF and among other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations and neighborhood residents
Establish contacts with community groups to encourage community participation and develops programs and strategies to enhance the public’s perception of departmental services
Oversee branding, design and printing of informational material
Work with the OCF leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues
Work with Chief of Communications for the Office of Children and Families to support media relations, including responding to reporters, crafting statements, and drafting press releases, media alerts and op-eds.
Work collaboratively to support projects across the Office of Children and Families portfolio
Develop talking points for key staff
Plan, implement and publicize departmental events and functions
Support the selection of and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as needed.
Work with the Office of Children and Families’ design and content team to update website and collateral
Perform related work as required
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment with general policy guidelines
Ability to work well with different team members and manage lateral reporting relationships
Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate complex concepts
Strong written, oral and visual communication skills
Ability to anticipate public reaction and think strategically
Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns
Must be able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis
Strong media relationships desired
Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired
Strong working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms
Ability to work independently to achieve goals
Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce solutions
Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and/or crisis
Track record in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors
Ability to effectively communicate – verbally and in writing – with a variety of stakeholders including direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors
Work-Life
Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week, but could vary due to special circumstances or crisis situations. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.
Qualifications
5 – 7 years of paid experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
Experience managing complex organizational systems
Experience with both digital and traditional communications
Experience in media relations and building relationships with local members of the press
Experience managing advertising and marketing campaigns
Fluency in other languages is not a requirement, but a plus
Experience with child welfare/juvenile justice services program is preferred
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $90,000 – $105,000
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
Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
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
