Communications Director Jobs in Pennsylvania

Company Description

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 Philadelphia City Commissioners are a three-member bipartisan board of elected officials in charge of elections and voter registration for the City of Philadelphia. The City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Communications Director will lead and implement all public relations, digital communications, and engagement efforts for the Office of the City Commissioners. The Director will set the tone for messaging that will portray the values of the Office of the City Commissioners. The incumbent will promote the work of the City Commissioners’ Office through strategic communications, which includes earned media, social media campaigns, digital organizing, and direct communication with a broad range of constituents and stakeholder groups. The Director will work closely with the Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to develop and disseminate accurate and timely information.

Essential Functions

• Leads the development and implementation of media strategy and public engagement plans to support office goals.
• Oversees social media strategy and accounts, implementation, and analytics.
• Sets and tracks social media growth goals.
• Works with Digital Media Assistant to create infographics, social media graphics, signage, and other visual collateral material.
• Develops and maintains relationships with reporters and media outlets; maintains current contact list for print, broadcast, and online media.
• Serves as primary media contact and speaks on the record on behalf of department.
• Prepares content for website and all electronic messaging and communications.
• Coordinates translations of content for publishing in supported languages.
• Assists with the creation of guides and manuals for staff and/or election board workers’ use.
• Composes and edits speeches, press releases, and talking points for Commissioners as needed.
• Develops and reviews media-related materials including press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, media advisories, event invitations, and website posts; secures placement of op-eds and letters to the editor.
• Organizes press conferences and supports community engagement events including planning, promotion, and documentation of said events.
• Reviews and manages published information, materials and presentations prepared for and/or distributed to the public, media, or other organizations regarding planned or ongoing projects and programs while ensuring a consistent message is presented for all shared communication.
• Works with elections staff to assist with factchecking and combatting mis- and disinformation.
• Provides advice and coaching to management on all aspects of communications, ranging from developing effective communication strategies to appropriately responding to inquiries regarding sensitive or complex issues.
• Monitors and disseminates media mentions for the department and the Commissioners.
• Assists in writing and proofing written letters from the department to voters, polling place landlords, and poll workers.
• Writes and executes media plan for the department and coordinates with Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners to implement the plan.
• Improves both external and internal communication; ensures that information being disseminated publicly is also being communicated to staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including work on the election.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills; experience writing content and messaging for a public audience.
• Superior typing and proof-reading skills.
• Must be familiar with social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and other emerging social media platforms.
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns.
• Experience and knowledge of local, state, or federal politics preferred.
• Ability to lead and handle multiple tasks in a tight timeframe.
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships with members of the media.
• Must have ability to work independently and in partnership with a team.
• Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion.
• Must have the ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing and sometimes stressful deadlines.
• Fluency in other languages is not a requirement, but a plus.

Qualifications

Completion of a bachelor’s degree program at an accredited college or university with a major course work in a related field such as Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, and Advertising.

AND

Minimum 5 years of experience overseeing communications for a government, nonprofit, or advocacy organization or as a member of the media.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $100,000 - $110,000

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 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 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.