Director of Communications - 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 Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

Guiding Principles (We believe…)

• The people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, full lives. 
• City Government should both recognize its culpability in creating and sustaining inequity and aspire to its responsibility to provide opportunities, represent the best interests, and promote the well-being of all residents. 
• People can offer meaningful insights into both personal experiences and how systems around them function. 
• Poverty is a deliberately created systemic issue and city government can lead in calling for justice and dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities. 

Values (How we work)

• Dignity: We actively respect our individual colleagues and people in the community.
• Inclusivity: Our work is more beneficial, valuable, and valid when our full range of experiences, knowledge, and skills can contribute.
• Persistence: We recognize the challenges inherent in this work, and when we get discouraged, we find ways to be resilient, lift each other up, and push forward.
• Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.
• Honesty: We create a space to have healthy, honest dialogues about systems, people, and misconceptions and then communicate truthfully.

The Communications Director for the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity will play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and understanding, enhancing transparency, and fostering community engagement. Strategic communication skills will be essential in effectively conveying the office's initiatives, policies, and achievements to diverse stakeholders, including residents, media outlets, other city offices, funders, and partner organizations.

The Communications Director supervises one manager and is a part of the Racial Equity vertical, collaborating with this team and others on organizational priorities and shaping the narrative around racial equity, economic mobility, and poverty in Philadelphia.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the public good by effectively communicating the work and impact of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity. If you are passionate about public service and possess the skills to drive meaningful communication initiatives, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of our community.

Essential Functions

In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Racial Equity Officer and across the organization to communicate CEO’s strategy, progress, and mission related to our work in Philadelphia and as a Community Action Agency.

Key Responsibilities:  

 Strategic Communication Planning:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the office's objectives and priorities.
• Lead office’s strategic branding processes and ensure consistency of brand promise and messaging.
• Plan and produce annual Impact report and other key annual written reports.
• Coordinate messaging to ensure consistency and clarity across all communication channels.

Media Relations:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and manage relationships with local journalists and outlets.
• Prepare press releases, statements, and media kits to proactively share important announcements and respond to media queries promptly.
• Work with the Mayor’s Communications Office to coordinate all media relations activities.

Internal Communication:

• Facilitate effective internal communication within the office, ensuring staff are informed about key developments, policies, and events.
• Create internal newsletters, updates, and presentations to foster a cohesive and well-informed team environment.

Public Outreach and Engagement:

• Develop outreach campaigns and initiatives to engage residents and stakeholders in local government activities.
• Organize public forums, town hall meetings, and community events to solicit feedback and enhance civic participation.

Digital and Social Media Management:

• Oversee the office's digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and email newsletters.
• Monitor online conversations, respond to inquiries, and leverage social media for public education and engagement.

Crisis Communication:

• Develop crisis communication protocols and serve as a spokesperson during emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Implement strategies to maintain public trust and transparency during challenging times.

Other duties as assigned

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master's preferred).
• Proven experience in a communications leadership role, preferably within government or public sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Understanding of local government operations, policies, and community dynamics.

Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with the ability to anticipate communication needs and proactively address challenges.
• Detail-oriented and organized, capable of managing multiple projects and priorities.
• Commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service values.
• Adaptability to navigate a fast-paced and dynamic political and public environment.
• Committed to the mission, values, and principles of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity.

Preferred but not required:

• Bilingual (Spanish and/or Mandarin Chinese preferred)

• 5 years of leadership in a strategic communications role.
• 3-5 years experience in a supervisory role.
• Demonstrated experience in managing digital and print communications projects.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Responsible for the supervision of the Communications Manager and potential VISTA, intern or temporary staff.

Other Specialties, Certifications, Physical Requirements, and Work Conditions

• Regular, predictable attendance is required
• Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

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

Salary Range: $90,000 - $100,000

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