Director of Communications

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 mission of the Office of Homeless Services (OHS) is to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.  OHS works collaboratively with a broad-based network of public and private providers to utilize practices that are informed by data, honor the different perspectives of all stake holders and are trauma-informed.  OHS works to maximize resources while monitoring emerging trends, tracking progress and shifting priorities as needed.
Job Description
With a $79 million budget, 181+ staff serving nearly 15,000 a year, OHS is a highly visible public agency. Given the public nature of the homelessness problem, interface with and through the media is an essential function of the Office. Further, communication throughout the system has been identified as a top priority for action in the new 5-Year Strategic Plan.

The purpose of this position is to develop and implement a strategic communications plan for the Office of Homeless Services. This person will be responsible for shaping and managing the public image of the Office, developing a communications structure and mechanisms with all relevant stakeholders, and managing the relationship with media. The Director of Communications will be the primary interface with the media and the Communications Director for the Health and Human Services Cabinet. This person will also be responsible for managing the OHS communications’ office and all its functions.

This position will be a close advisor to the Director of OHS.

Duties

The Director of Communications:

Serves as a spokesperson for OHS when Director is unavailable to do so, including representing organization in the community at public events, and media engagements, as needed.
Leads the planning and execution of strategic marketing and communications plan, including public relations, communications, advertising, printing and publications, special events and website development.
Drives digital innovation by working with social media, website, and electronic newsletters. communications and other mobile products.
Working with the Director and other members of the OHS Leadership Team, develops and implements a comprehensive, year-round marketing and communications plan that strengthens the OHS brand, builds relationships with key audiences and works to position OHS as a leading voice in addressing the issue of homelessness.
With Leadership Team, establish media goals, messaging, objectives and strategies, including establishing relationships with the media; producing and distributing all organization news releases and public service announcements.
Writing talking points for the Director and other OHS staff who participate in public events and media opportunities.
Writing articles and content for internal and external materials that increase public awareness and enhance visibility of organization.
Other communications tasks as needed.
Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

This is a senior level position for an experienced and expert communications professional. The qualified candidate will have expert written and oral communication skills, proven expertise in strategic communications and media relations combined with a strong commitment to the mission of ending homelessness.

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience required; Master’s degree or comparable experience preferred.
Proven track record with media relations, marketing, and communications. Proven expertise with social media a plus. Excellent strategic communications skills.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range:$77,397 – $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

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.