Chief of Communications and Strategies - City of Philadelphia

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.

•            Strong families.

•            Supported schools and communities.

OCF administers City-supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, Career Connected Learning, and, PHLpreK. The office also oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR), and the Free Library of Philadelphia(FLP).

The Chief of Communications and Strategies (Chief) for the Office of Children and Families is responsible for leading and developing strategic communications for OCF, including responding to press inquiries.  The Chief reports to the Chief Deputy Managing Director for OCF and is part of the executive leadership team of OCF. The Chief supervises the DHS and OCF Communications Directors and has dotted line supervision for the Parks and Recreation and Free Library of Philadelphia Communications Directors.   The Chief serves as the lead for crisis communications for OCF, its programs and its member Departments.

The Chief is responsible for devising, implementing and executing a strategic communications vision for OCF, as well as for managing the communications opportunities internally and externally.  This involves communicating to employees, the press, traditional and social media, key stakeholders and the public.   The position requires promoting and marketing cross department collaboration between OCF Departments and other City agencies.

This position also serves as the public information officer for OCF and leads all efforts to market OCF programs and services. 

Essential Functions

• Oversee the administration of OCF Communications, Marketing, and Strategy. 
• Oversee the response to press inquiries, often on complex issues, while ensuring compliance with appropriate deadlines.   
• In coordination with the Chief Deputy Managing Director managers crisis communications for OCF and its Departments.
• Ensure the coordination of communications with the Mayor’s Press Office and other City agencies to ensure continuity of messaging. 
• Oversee the preparation of speeches, talking points and/or testimony for the Chief Deputy Managing Director and other senior staff. 
• Oversee OCF content on internal intranet and external internet sites, updating news stories and ensuring content is up to date. 
• Serve as a member of the OCF Executive Cabinet (senior leadership team).
• Responsible for drafting and editing press releases and written materials for the press and internal staff. 
• Coordinate internal communications including monthly staff newsletter, weekly e-bulletins, and special messages for the Chief Deputy Managing Director to staff.
• Manage the implementation of citywide public service campaigns for various programs and issues.
• Advise senior staff in preparation for legislative hearings and other government forums, and prepare all related testimony.  
• Work with all relevant federal, state, and local government partners to advance the goals of OCF on behalf of Philadelphia’s children and families. 
• Supervise and manage subordinate staff.   
• Other duties as assigned.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Excellent written and oral communication skills.  Critical thinker with an ability to multi-task and navigate complex issues.  Works well under pressure and can manage tight deadlines.  Ability to understand the big picture and relate well to staff, community and the press. Able to provide strategic advice for both long and short term projects.

• Bachelor’s Degree required and a minimum of 10 years of relevant industry or professional services experience required
• Ability to manage and execute functions in a crisis.
• Excellent and succinct writer
• Broad, deep, and current knowledge of digital technology, marketing, and business strategy
• Visionary and Strategic thinking skills – great at seeing patterns and connecting the dots
• Effective leader who can support, build and foster an inclusive work climate.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $135,525

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*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