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 Department of Commerce helps businesses—large and small—thrive in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is the perfect home for your business, offering:

• Reasonable office rents and cost of living.
• A ready workforce.
• A central location on the Northeast corridor.

We work to:

• Attract and keep a diverse set of businesses.
• Revitalize neighborhoods by building vibrant commercial districts.
• Support small businesses and improve access to funding.
• Develop a strong talent pipeline.
• Increase contracting opportunities for minority, women, and disabled-owned businesses.

Job Summary

The Communications Director for Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to communicate the work of the department and elevate Philadelphia’s global reputation as a place for business. The Commerce Communications Director will also lead a team that includes: Commerce Marketing & Digital Communications Manager, Communications Director for the Office of Workforce Development, and Communications Director for PHL Airport. The position reports to the First Deputy Commerce Director and works closely with the Deputy Communications Director in the Mayor’s Office to ensure that Commerce’s messaging aligns with overall administration goals.

Primary Duties

Lead media relations for the department

• Develop relationships with reporters that cover business/commerce; maintain an active list of press contacts
• Proactively pitch members of the press about positive Commerce news and respond to incoming inquiries
• Create press releases, media alerts, Q&A, and other media materials
• Spearhead planning and implementation of press events
• Track, review, and manage media coverage for the department

Coordinate messaging at public events related to Commerce

• Develop briefing documents and talking points for Mayor Kenney, Commerce Director Epps, and other senior staff as needed
• Oversee development of presentations and pitch decks

Assist staff throughout the department in the execution of their responsibilities through communications project oversight and management

• Maintain working knowledge of relevant departmental initiatives, industry trends, and departmental services offered
• Work with the Marketing & Digital Communications Manager to develop marketing materials and presentations Commerce units and staff
• Coordinate communications and marketing with economic development partners
• Research and execute suitable marketing opportunities for the Philadelphia market

Guide content strategy and development for the department

• Advise Marketing & Digital Communications Manager on strategy and content development for website and social media
• Oversee the management of Commerce’s digital assets, including, but not limited to: phila.gov/commerce, startupphl.com, philadelphiadelivers.com, all social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Nextdoor), and Constant Contact newsletters
• Support development of departmental documents and annual reports, including the creation of outlines, writing, editing, and proof-reading.
• Support internal communications efforts in coordination with the First Deputy Commerce Director and Deputies

Supervision and oversight of additional Communications staff:

• Marketing & Digital Communications Manager (direct report)
• Office of Workforce Development Communications Director (shared oversight)
• Philadelphia Airport Communications Director (shared oversight)

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in the field of communications, with significant time spent in a media relations capacity
• Ability to develop press releases, media alerts, Q&A, and other media materials
• Experience organizing press events, including, but not limited to press conferences and media briefings
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• Available to work nights and weekends as needed
• Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiencies
• Experience managing a team
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in HTML/CSS, WordPress, and other content management systems.
• Experience utilizing the Adobe Suite and related design tools.
• Research and data analysis skills
• Knowledge of City, State, and Federal economic development programs

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