With a workforce of over 25,000 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.   

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.

Benefits - We care about your well being.

AGENCY INFORMATION

Philadelphia Parks & Recreation (PPR) advances the prosperity of the city and the progress of her people through intentional and sustained stewardship of over 10,200 acres of public land and waterways as well as through hundreds of safe, stimulating recreation, environmental, and cultural centers. PPR promotes the well-being and growth of the City’s residents by connecting them to the natural world around them, to each other, and to fun, physical, and social opportunities. PPR is responsible for the upkeep of historically significant Philadelphia events and specialty venues, and works collaboratively with communities and organizations in leading capital projects and the introduction of inventive programming. To learn more about Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, visit us at www.phila.gov/parksandrec, and follow @philaparkandrec on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Tumblr.

The Communications Unit is responsible for internal and external communications and marketing. This position will work closely with the Mayor’s Press Office, Department of Parks and Recreation (PPR), and the Free Library of Philadelphia. Work products include websites, blogs, social media platforms, media relations, newsletters, events, official correspondence, and marketing collateral. 

This Communications Manager will support the public relations, event management, and community engagement efforts of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. The Communications Manager reports to the Communications Director and works closely with program staff, partner organizations, concessionaires, and other City departments to promote and support the activities of the country’s 5th largest park system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage incoming media inquiries in busy government press office
• Support development and implementation of public relations strategy and press event plans to support departmental goals
• Oversee media strategy, implementation, tracking, and measurement
• Prepare regular updates for press and partners
• Manage the planning and implementation of 60-70 outdoor press events a year
• Oversee press clipping archive
• Supervise seasonal staff, interns, and volunteers
• Draft public statements, talking points, speeches, press releases, and written testimony for PPR staff, as needed
• Provide training and ongoing professional development for PPR staff on media relations best practices
• Assist in the procurement of communications collateral
• Assist with photography
• Develop social media content in support of strategic campaigns
• Prepare electronic and print materials
• Design flyers and social media graphics

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS

• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
• Familiarity with current principles, practices, and developments in public relations and the news media.
• Knowledge of the best practices of writing for the web, blog writing, plain language, and digital accessibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders such as event partners and sponsors, the public, local, civic and business officials, and news organizations.
• Highly organized and capable of tracking files, content, and projects in a systematic manner
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred
• Experience with Wordpress or other CMS preferred

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations or related filed
• 3-5 years of experience in media relations, government communications, non-profit communications, or related field
• Experience writing content and messaging for a public audience
• Demonstrated ability of strategically planning and creating media materials, such as: press releases, short news articles, opinion pieces, and talking points
• Spanish speaking, conversational and/or written, strongly preferred
• Knowledge of or experience in navigating Philadelphia’s park system and recreational landscape preferred

• Successful candidates must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.
• Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
• 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

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