With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth 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

This position will sit within the Managing Director’s Office (MDO) which provides oversight of the City’s major operating departments. The MDO provides support, assistance, and coordination to build sustainable infrastructure within and across departments, ensuring the efficient delivery of quality services to the public.

The Citywide Out-of-School Time OST Initiative (COI) is developing a shared, coordinated and inclusive OST system that reaches ambitious goals on behalf of Philadelphia’s young people.  This is a cross-sector, holistic initiative that is working to align various OST efforts from city departments as well as other existing and potential OST stakeholders. The COI seeks to both improve and increase the scope and quality of programming throughout the city, and ensure that families have access to the array of OST programs available.

Salary: $45,000-$50,000 (Two Year Grant Funded  Position)  

The Communications Manager will be responsible for a variety of tasks, such as the creation and development of print and online materials, email marketing, web site management and content development, press releases, bylined articles, white papers, videos and marketing collateral, RFP review and development, marketing budget development and cost tracking.   They may aid in the preparation of presentations and/or speeches as well as events.  The ideal candidate will understand the challenges inherent in government communications and be self-aware while communicating, especially within and across government.

Essential Functions:

• Develop effective communication strategies
• Manage internal communications (memos, newsletters etc.)
• Draft content (e.g. press releases) for mass media or website
• Manage and develop content for COI website
• Organize initiatives and plan events or press conferences
• Liaise with media and handle requests for interviews, statements etc.
• Foster relationships with advocates and key persons
• Collaborate with marketing professionals to produce copy for advertisements or articles
• Facilitate the resolution of disputes with the public or external vendors
• Assist in communication of strategies or messages from senior leadership

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Marketing or Communications or equivalent experience
• At least five years of Communications experience
• Flexibility and adaptability in work style and work schedule, including some night and weekend time
• Personable communication and good customer service skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently, while maintaining communication with the central office

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must be comfortable communicating with leaders of the city as much as leaders of neighborhoods, police captains, block captains, social workers and those seeking social services – all with respect and appreciation for the hats they wear and the value they bring to the city. 
• Ability to distill complicated ideas and processes into simple, easy to understand concepts and then communicate them in a manner that generates enthusiasm, engagement, buy-in, and utilization. 
• Adaptable and flexible due to the dynamic nature of government communications (something can preempt a planned announcement or require it be fast-tracked). 
• Approachability - Spends extra effort to put others at ease; builds rapport; good listener; confident
• Action Oriented- Full of energy for the things s/he sees as challenging; not fearful of acting with a minimum of planning
• Must be a confident communicator and presenter
• Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential, including ability to present concepts verbally
• Experience in web design and content production
• Must possess excellent organizational and planning skills
• Superior project management and time management skills
• A wide degree of creativity and latitude
• Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management

Successful candidate must be a City 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 faqpchr@ phila.gov. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx