Director of Communications

Position Summary

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 offices 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 CEOs 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 offices objectives and priorities.
• Lead offices 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 Mayors 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 offices 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:

• Bachelors degree in Communications Public Relations Journalism or a related field (Masters 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)

Supervisory Responsibilities

Potential VISTA intern or temporary staff.

Qualifications :

• 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.

Additional Information :

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

Salary: $95000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs 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 8 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 or send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time