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 Office of Public Engagement strengthens trust and supports collaboration between community and city government. The office plays a key role in raising awareness about how the City can serve its many diverse communities and facilitates opportunities for the public to provide input into the City’s policymaking process and priorities. The office oversees the Mayor’s public engagement commissions as well as community and volunteer engagement services.

The Director of Public Engagement will manage public engagement staff who work directly with different constituency groups and communities across Philadelphia, as well as staff that provides support for all departments in their community engagement and volunteer programs. The Director of Public Engagement will report directly to the Chief of Staff and focus on ensuring that each engagement team has a strong understanding of upcoming administration priorities and policies and is able to share this information with their respective commissions and constituencies to help increase awareness about city programs and initiatives. Additionally, the Director will work to ensure that the commissions and engagement teams have a clear line of communication with the administration and that community concerns around policies and issues are heard by policymakers and can inform the administration’s policymaking process.

Essential Functions

• Work with Chief of Staff and key city leadership to develop public engagement strategy around key initiatives
• Manage public engagement commissions and staff leadership, as well as community engagement and volunteer services staff
• Oversee the production of a weekly citywide newsletter and the development of digital engagement content
• Implement tracking systems to ensure that community concerns and priorities are elevated and communicated to key decision-makers within city government
• Work to ensure that departments and community engagement staff across city government consistently conduct robust engagement and outreach efforts to all communities
• Foster and build relationships with community leaders and grassroots leaders across the City of Philadelphia
• Provide meaningful opportunities for members of the public to engage with City leadership and craft both policy and priorities
• Promote stronger civic culture across the City through thoughtful and authentic engagement
• Ensure voices that have not historically had a say in public policy are provided meaningful opportunities to engage with government

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective and persuasive leadership comfortable with all levels of staff, public, and others
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including presentation skills and the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and succinctly
• Experience in communications and messaging of key priorities
• Ability to craft a strategic plan and execute it
• Must be able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments
• Strong relationship-building skills are essential, along with the ability to work seamlessly with different
• constituencies
• Flexible with the ability to shift priorities quickly as business demands require
• Strong management skills
• Ability to work with a high degree of independence and under time pressure
• Team player with a positive disposition, strong interpersonal skills, and sound judgment
• Able to work well within diverse environments
• Tech-savvy with experience and fluency in office software programs
• Values and encourages diversity of thought, background, and perspective
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion

• 6-10 years paid experience in public engagement, community relations, or community affairs
• Experience managing organizational systems
• Fluency in other languages is not a requirement but a plus
• In-depth knowledge of service, volunteerism, public affairs and public policy, and a broad understanding of city government and the ability to influence senior leaders/government officials/other key stakeholders
• Experience working with people from many diverse and different backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment and experience in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in community and in teams

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application.

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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