With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia operates through the guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, to resolve the challenges facing our city, and to make Philadelphia a place where all of our residents have the opportunity to reach their potential. 

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

The Mission of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations (PCHR) is to enforce the City's laws prohibiting discrimination, to promote equal rights and opportunities of all Philadelphians, and to advance community relations across differences such as race, religion, ethnicity, disability or sexual orientation. The PCHR also oversees the Fair Housing Commission, which handles unfair rental practices in landlord-tenant matters.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Communications is responsible for crafting and guiding the Executive Director in developing a strategic, multi-faceted communications program designed to build and strengthen relationships between the Commission on Human Relations and businesses, non-profit organizations, community organizations, neighborhood associations, schools, colleges, police and Philadelphia constituents. The Director will devise and modify program guidelines and policies, oversee implementation process, and provide quality control for communications programs, media activities, and special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assist Executive Director in the development of a strategic communications plan to support the organization's mission, goals and objectives.
• Create a brand/marketing/public relations strategy that will allow the Commission on Human Relations to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with Philadelphia residents, media, community organizations, public affairs offices, businesses and other organizations.
• Build and foster collaborative relationships with the Mayor’s press office and other departments within the City of Philadelphia to stay informed and abreast of new initiatives, products and services.
• Develop responses or materials for press, training, legislation and special events such as: press releases, op-eds, talking points, testimony, presentations, speeches, agency blurbs, handouts, and promotional materials
• Assist the Executive Director in drafting materials for annual budget submission.
• Develop and design an annual report for the agency
• Plan, design, and coordinate annual events for the Commission of Human Relations.
• Review and research current events and communicate throughout the organization
• Update, modify, and develop content for departmental website and digital media platforms
• Establish and oversee departmental system for maintaining and archiving press clippings.
• Respond to public concerns and write letters of support.
• Research best practices for communications and public relations.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of current principles, practices and developments in public relations and in the media; 
• Skilled in decision making when setting policies and managing significant communications function within an organization;
• Possesses a commitment and knowledge of the importance of civil rights, community engagement and the resolution of inter-group conflicts; 
• Ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically;
• Ability to analyze and effectively respond to various groups’ needs; 
• Ability to gather, compile and analyze data concerning demographic or social groups and related discriminatory practices; Ability to manage workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations, and staffing needs;
• Ability to communicate effectively to executive staff, employees, Commissioners and the general public;
• Ability to persuade others; build consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals. Spends the extra effort to put others at ease; builds rapport; good listener;
• Ability to take a long-term view and build a shared vision with others; acts as a catalyst for organizational change. Influences others to translate vision into action;
• Ability to deal effectively with pressure; remain optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. Recovers quickly from setbacks;
• Ability to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization;
• Good at figuring out the processes necessary to get things done; knows how to organize people and activities; can see opportunities for synergy and integration where others cannot; can simplify complex processes;
• Blends people into teams when needed; creates strong morale and spirit in their team; shares wins and successes; fosters open dialogue; lets people finish and be responsible for their work; creates a feeling of belonging in the team;
• Persuades others; builds consensus through give and take; gains cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals; and
• Ability to work as a team with executive leadership and Commissioners and collaborate on agency projects/programs as needed.
  

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university

• Five years of experience in communications, creative marketing, public relations or media experience

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application.

Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.

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 pchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx