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 mission of the Department of Commerce is to ensure that Philadelphia is a globally competitive city to which employers flock, entrepreneurs thrive and innovation abounds; to recruit and retain a diverse set of businesses; to foster economic opportunities for all Philadelphians in all neighborhoods; and to partner with workforce development programs and local businesses on talent development ensuring that all Philadelphians can find and retain living-wage jobs. For more information about the Department of Commerce, visit www.phila.gov/commerce.

The Communications Director for Philadelphia’s Department of Commerce is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to communicate the impact of the department’s work and elevate Philadelphia’s global reputation as a place for business. This role directs the development and implementation of strategies that communicate the City’s business services and information to the public, while enhancing the public’s perception of the Department of Commerce by demonstrating the value and services we provide to businesses in Philadelphia.

The Communications Director for the Department of Commerce works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Communications to ensure that Commerce’s messaging aligns with overall administration goals and priorities. This role also works closely with the Communications Directors for PHL International Airport and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation. The position reports to the Deputy Commerce Director and Chief of Staff.

Essential Functions

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 and press events

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

Amplify Philadelphia’s business community

• Develop strategies and events (example: Minority Enterprise Week), that bring positive attention to Philadelphia’s businesses, particularly small businesses located on neighborhood commercial corridors
• Launch creative strategies and campaigns to showcase small and diverse businesses through Commerce’s blog, social media channels and presentations, and other available channels
• Work with departmental staff to create input/feedback/evaluation mechanisms for all outreach strategies, campaigns, and initiatives

Direct content strategy and development for the department

• Develop strategy and content for website and social media
• Incorporate the personal stories of Philadelphia’s business owners and non-profits into all channels 
• Manage 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)
  • Constant Contact newsletters
• Support development of departmental documents and annual reports, including the creation of outlines, writing, editing, and proof-reading
• Coordinate cross-departmental “pitch meetings” to source for new and compelling content
• Develop a communications calendar
• Coordinate communications for cross-departmental projects and initiatives, ensuring that Commerce’s point of view and values are properly reflected
• Support internal communications efforts in coordination with the senior leadership team

Provide communications project oversight and management

• Maintain working knowledge of relevant departmental initiatives, industry trends, and services offered
• Collaborate with departmental staff on outreach to small businesses and entrepreneurs to generate awareness of the department’s resources for businesses
• Work with various staff members to develop annual reports, marketing materials and presentations for Commerce units and staff
• Coordinate communications and marketing efforts with economic development partner organizations to align broader messaging promoting Philadelphia as a global place for business
• Research and execute suitable marketing opportunities for the Philadelphia market as a place for business and investment

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in the field of communications, with significant time spent in a media relations capacity

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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
• Familiarity with using online meeting platforms including Zoom and Microsoft Teams for public-facing events
• 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
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample with your application. Applications without all 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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