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.

  Opportunities in Tech - Don’t wait for the future, shape it.

  Benefits - We care about your well being.

Agency Description

The Managing Director’s Office (MDO) manages and oversees the operations of the City, including the Rebuild Office, which is a staff exclusively working on the implementation of the Rebuild initiative.

Rebuild is an initiative of the MDO to improve physical conditions in selected parks, recreation centers and libraries.  Rebuild is expected to invest hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of the initiative. In addition to revitalizing neighborhood public spaces, Rebuild is focused using the projects it funds to empower and engage with community members and to promote economic opportunity for diverse businesses and individuals. Rebuild projects are carried out by a variety of partners, including consultants, nonprofit partners, and other City agencies. Rebuild works closely with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP) and other City departments.

Rebuild places a strong emphasis on community outreach and engagement, diverse business participation and workforce development. It is important that residents have voice in how their community facility is improved and that diverse businesses and individuals are given opportunities to work on Rebuild projects in order to strengthen and expand their fields of expertise.

To learn more about Rebuild, visit rebuild.phila.gov.

The Communications Director will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies to communicate the work of Rebuild to a wide variety of target audiences, including community members, businesses, nonprofit partners, City agencies, the philanthropic community, and the general public.  The Communications Director will employ communications and marketing tools and strategies to focus on Rebuild priorities: to broadly communicate Rebuild’s achievements, to ensure residents are informed of opportunities to engage with Rebuild projects in their community, and to ensure diverse businesses and individuals are aware of business development and workforce development opportunities through Rebuild. The position reports to the First Deputy Director of Rebuild and will work closely with the Community Engagement Director and communications staff in partner City agencies to ensure Rebuild’s messaging aligns with the overall program and Administration goals.

This position is entirely grant-funded and exempt from City Civil Service requirements.

Essential Functions

Lead a marketing, communications, and brand strategy for Rebuild

• Develop and implement brand messaging and identity for Rebuild.
• Oversee strategy, content development and management of Rebuild’s digital and non-digital assets, including but not limited to: website, social media, newsletters and collateral for community engagement, workforce development and Rebuild Ready business development programs.
• Advise and support the Community Engagement Director on communications toolkit for community engagement activities
• Develop briefing documents and talking points for Mayor Kenney, Executive Director Strong and other senior staff as needed
• Support development of department documents and reports, including the creation of outlines, writing, editing, and proof-reading.

Lead media relations for Rebuild

• Develop relationships with reporters that neighborhood development; maintain an active list of press contacts
• Proactively pitch members of the press about positive Rebuild 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 media activities with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation, The Free Library of Philadelphia, the Mayor’s Office, and other City departments, as needed
• Represent Rebuild at various events, as needed

Communications Program Administration:

• Manage all aspects of Communications consultant contracts, including scope creation, invoicing and budget, and evaluation.
• Provide strategic direction to consultant teams executing communications tasks on behalf of Rebuild.
• Support internal communications efforts in coordination with the Executive Director, First Deputy and Deputy Directors.
• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in Communications, Marketing or related field
• Experience organizing press events, including, but not limited to press conferences and media briefings
• Experience managing a team.
• Experience working with diverse populations, preferably in Philadelphia neighborhoods
• Experience with and knowledge of City government preferred
• Multilingual (Spanish) preferred, not required
• Valid PA driver’s license and ability to travel locally

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Competent with Microsoft Office programs, and internet applications
• Ability to work on nights and weekends, as needed
• Ability to travel to all Rebuild sites.
• Ability to develop press releases, media alerts, Q&A, and other media materials
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team.

Commitment to Rebuild Values – personal commitment to equity and inclusion, which are two values that run throughout the programmatic design, structure and implementation of Rebuild.

Effective Communication – outstanding oral and written communications skills for various audiences, strong interpersonal skills and a track record of building effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Adaptivity – ability to drive change in challenging and complex projects, and to be a self-starter with the flexibility to both work independently and as part of a team.

Public Speaking – comfort with public speaking (e.g., community meetings), specifically in front of small, medium and large-sized groups.

Attention to Detail and Organization – strong organization skills, careful about details, thorough in completing tasks, ability to meet deadlines, and persistent in pursuit of goals.

Critical Thinking – the ability to use sound and accurate judgement and think creatively to resolve complex problems and the ability to multi-task under tight deadlines.

Flexibility – the ability to operate in an “all-hands-on-deck” environment and an eagerness to contribute to the success of Rebuild, even when tasks may fall outside of core responsibilities.

Collaborative – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as other departments, partners and sponsors, the public, local, civic and business, and elected officials, and news organizations.

Salary Range: $75,000 - 95,000

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample (limit to two pages) such as communications and marketing plan. Applications without all required documents will not be considered.

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program (and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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 

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 [email protected]. For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

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