Communications Director - 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

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

The Communications Director is responsible for departmental promotional, ceremonial, and public information functions. The person in this position sets high-level strategy and coordinates implementation of the informational and communications policies and programs for the department. The director supervises a staff of communications personnel gathering, preparing, and disseminating promotional and publicity materials and plans the timing, distribution, and release of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s messages to the media and the public.

In addition, the director executes key objectives of PPR’s strategic plan and related organizational development initiatives under the supervision of the Commissioner.  The Special Projects & Communications Director works closely with the PPR executive team and other city departments, agencies, and partners to advance various communications initiatives and special projects.

Essential Functions

• Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans to advance Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s brand identity and broaden awareness of its programs, services, and initiatives across the city.
• Work with departmental officials to monitor and review current educational, informational, promotional, and communications programs and formulate strategies to enhance effectiveness; coordinate departmental communications efforts with other directors and managers. Provide leadership to continue to grow and enhance PPR’s communication efforts/campaign, including social media and multimedia to attract new followers not currently connected to the department’s programs or services.
• Through subordinate supervisors, direct staff in the creation of print and digital content, including but not limited to social media, blogs, website content, newsletters, press releases, and flyers. Review work of subordinates for relevance, accuracy, and conformance to departmental objectives. Provide oversight of departmental external outreach, branding and marketing efforts, including tabling outreach, staff attire, and promotional giveaways.
• Prepare written and oral statistical and narrative reports on progress and status of work unit projects. Use data and analytics to inform recommendations and measure outcomes.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, departmental managers, private and nonprofit partners, community groups and organizations, vendors/consultants, representatives of the media and the public.
• Prepare and manage work unit budgets.
• Compile and edit departmental reports.
• Prepare materials for the media and respond to press inquiries.
• Support grant writing and management.
• Write speeches and contribute to development of official presentations.
• Collaborate with Human Resources staff on internal communications products.
• Assist First Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Engagement with implementation of the department’s strategic plan.
  • Develop strategies to communicate the plan’s progress and engage staff at all levels.
  • Lead implementation of goals related to communications, marketing, employee engagement, and customer service.
• Serve on leadership committee for signage standards implementation.
• Provide Commissioner’s Office with project management and communications support for high-level initiatives.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Know-how of administrative and managerial practices, policies, and procedures as applied to the implementation, operation, and coordination of activities within a parks and recreational agency
• Mastery of the philosophy, objectives, methods, facilities, and equipment of organized recreation on a large and varied scale.
• Deep understanding of the structure and functions of city departments and their relationship to achieving program goals
• Expertise in the methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and the mass communications media available for such activities; public relations and digital communications principles and practices; speech writing techniques including data compilation, research, and preparation of final drafts.
• Excellent writing/editing and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and experience developing communications products to meet the needs of varied groups and community interests
• Ability to supervise a diverse team of staff and effectively delegate assignments in consideration of organization structure and staff abilities.
• Proficient in the principles and practices of project management and their application in solving a variety of operational and administrative problems
• Able to analyze and evaluate complex organizational, administrative, and managerial problems and to develop new or alternative strategies to achieve goals and objectives.
• Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence"
• Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies
• Strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently
• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, advisory board members, media, elected officials, partners, residents, and visitors

• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives       

• Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with a major in Public Relations, Communications, Organization Development or a closely related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 3 to 5 years of leadership experience in communications, public relations, program development and implementation.
• 3 to 5 years of experience working in local government or a non-profit environment preferred but not required.
• Experience developing communications products and materials.
• Demonstrated understanding of, and support for, key precepts in diversity, equity and inclusion and an ability to support others in creating diverse, equitable and inclusive work environments and programs
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fair treatment.
• Proficient in computer software applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Program Management Software, etc.).
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by PPR Human Resources.

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

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