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.
• Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

Philadelphia’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD) seeks to plan, develop, preserve, and promote successful neighborhoods for all. DPD works in collaboration with communities and their residents, businesses, stakeholders, and representatives to create well-planned neighborhoods with housing for all income levels, access to public art, recognized cultural and physical history, available open space, and successful businesses and job opportunities.

DPD is comprised of the Philadelphia Art Commission, Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Division of Development Services, Division of Housing and Community Development, Philadelphia Historical Commission, and the staff to the Zoning Board of Adjustment. It also works closely with the Philadelphia Housing Development Corp., a city-chartered nonprofit. DPD’s Communications team supports the mission and work of each of these agencies.

DPD’s Communications team is responsible for disseminating information about the Department and its agencies to staff, residents, and stakeholders. Accordingly, the Deputy Director for Communications for the department directs and supervises the creation and implementation of strategies to:

• Engage residents and stakeholders from across the city in the development and delivery of the Department’s initiatives and programs
• Connect residents, businesses, and neighborhoods to the services available to them that will improve the quality of their lives and communities
• Promote strategies that will make Philadelphia a more equitable, inclusive, and just city
• Highlight the successes of the Department and its agencies and build constituencies for the Department and its mission
• Provide accurate and timely information to: the media, other local, state, and federal government agencies, Right to Know requestors and the general public
• Ensure that residents have access to Department information regardless of citizenship, reading ability, or English proficiency

The Deputy Director supervises a team of several staff members and consultants, including public relations specialists, a graphic designer, a social media manager, and a public-facing service representative. The Communications Director works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Communications and other City Departments to ensure that DPD's messaging aligns with overall administration goals and priorities. The position is supervised by the First Deputy Director.

Essential Functions

Provide communications leadership to the Department:

• Lead a diverse team of communications professionals
• Advise senior leadership in the Department and the Mayor’s office on the communications implications of Department policy and operations
• Collaborate with communications and operations colleagues in other City agencies and with stakeholders in the business and nonprofit sectors
• Support internal communications to ensure staff is cognizant of Department priorities and initiatives

Direct media relations for the Department

• Strategize on how best to proactively engage the media on key issues
• Coordinate messaging at public and press events
• Review and edit press releases, Q&A documents, responses to media inquiries, and other media-related materials

Oversee the creation and implementation of marketing and communication campaigns to deliver information to both broad and targeted audiences

• Coordinate the use of earned and paid media
• Integrate social media and web content into project-specific and ongoing initiatives
• Manage the development, design, and distribution of printed collateral such as flyers, brochures, program books, annual reports, and service guides
• Supervise the development and execution of events in City facilities and in the community

Manage the presentation of information directly to the public and stakeholders

• Manage the Department’s use of social media, web content, and email blasts
• Direct the development of presentations using PowerPoint, speeches, talking points, and testimony
• Supervise the distribution of meeting notices via legal notices, social media, traditional media, and email blasts
• Manage the process by which residents receive information in response to inquiries in person, by phone, or by email
• Ensure that residents are able to access DPD materials in a language in which they are proficient
• Coordinate the response to Right to Know requests
• Complete administrative functions:
• Supervise staff, including reviewing time sheets, approving leave requests, conducting annual reviews, and developing career paths
• Manage consultants and vendors by developing RFPs, supervising performance, and reviewing and approving invoices

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Ability to develop press releases, media alerts, Q&A, and other media materials
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team
• Ability to manage staff and lead a diverse team of communications professionals
• Experience organizing press events, including but not limited to press conferences and media briefings
• Lead a diverse team of communications professionals
• Familiarity with using online meeting platforms, including Zoom and Microsoft Teams, for public-facing events
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, be flexible, 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
• Microsoft Office proficiencies
• Attention to detail

• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field
• Seven years of experience in a communications field, with significant time spent in a media relations capacity. Experience in a government setting a plus.
• Previous supervisory experience is desirable.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary: $107,000 / year

Did you know?

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• 25% tuition discount program for City employees (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

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Please note that effective September 1, 2021 the City of Philadelphia is requiring all new employees to present proof of vaccination against COVID-19. 

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