Communications Director

City of Philadelphia • Philadelphia, PA

6d • $90,000 - $105,000 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a professional position in the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Human Services (DHS). This position will report to the DHS Commissioner. The director will play a significant role in DHS’ internal and external communications, messaging, branding, social media, and marketing of services to employees, clients, the general public, agency providers, other City departments, City Council, and other partners.

Requirements

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long- and short-term communication strategies.
• Ability to navigate high-pressure situations, such as public relations crises, calmly and effectively.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or priorities, especially in fast-moving situations such as media responses or policy changes.
• Track record in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement with general policy guidelines.
• Ability to identify issues or challenges early on and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to understand the big picture and relate well to staff, communities, and the press.
• Ability to collaborate effectively internally, across departments, and with various organizations.
• Ability to maintain high standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns.
• Strong commitment to ethical guidelines, especially regarding confidentiality, privacy, and respect for children, youth, and families.
• Familiarity with analytics tools to track the effectiveness of communications campaigns.
• Must be flexible and able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis.
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired.
• Strong working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms.
• Ability to work independently to achieve goals.
• 5 – 7 years of paid experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable experience.
• Experience in supervising a team.
• Experience managing complex organizational systems.
• Experience with both digital and traditional communications.
• Experience in media relations and building relationships with local members of the press.
• Experience managing advertising and marketing campaigns.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with child welfare/juvenile justice systems, child protection laws, and regulations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage public relations and crisis communications.
• Manage media relations including handling press inquiries, facilitating media interviews, and securing press coverage of programs and initiatives.
• Preparing press releases, op-eds, and media pitches that convey important information about the agency’s work, successes, and challenges.
• Engage users with social media presence to promote the Department’s mission and programs.
• Lead and direct advertising efforts to promote programs and enhance recruitment.
• Develop talking points for key staff.
• Publish performance management reports.
• Ensure branding and graphic standards are followed and consistent throughout the office.
• Streamline the flow of information within DHS and among other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations, and neighborhood residents.
• Build relationships with community-based organizations and other stakeholders to encourage community participation and strategies to enhance the public’s perception of departmental services.
• Oversee branding, design, and printing of informational material.
• Work with the DHS leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues.
• Plan, implement, and publicize departmental events and functions.
• Support the selection of and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as required.
• Report to leadership on communication outcomes and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.
• Work with the design and content team to update website and collateral.
• Support media coordination for PHL Pre-K, Out of School Time, and Career Connected Learning.
• Supervise and manage subordinate staff.
• Coordinate and attend community events at times during non-traditional hours.
• Coordinate with Mayor’s Press Office and other City agencies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
• Tuition discounts and scholarships (10% to 40% savings on educational expenses, potentially for spouse and dependents too)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED