Communications Director

  • Full-time

Company Description

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

The mission of the Department of Licenses and Inspections (L&I) is to enforce the City’s codes for the safe and lawful construction and use of buildings.  L&I is committed to improving its business  practices customer service in response to feedback. L&I enables the public to access information, secure required approvals, and comply with building safety requirements in a convenient, reliable, and transparent manner.  L&I achieves code compliance through collaboration, education, and effective enforcement measures that hold businesses, contractors, and property owners accountable.

Job Description

The Communications Director for L&I is responsible for directing all media relations for the Department.  In addition, the position is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies to communicate the impact of the department’s work and elevate L&I’s reputation as a public safety agency. The Director develops and oversees efforts to clearly communicate changes in laws, policies, and procedures to stakeholders through L&I’s website and regular external and internal communications.. The Communications Director for L&I works in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Communications to ensure that L&I’s messaging aligns with overall administration goals and priorities.  This position reports to the L&I Chief of Staff. 

Essential Functions

  • Field and respond to high volume of media inquiries, including making on air and on camera statements as necessary and appropriate.
  • Advise L&I Executive Staff on communications implications of external and internal conditions, policies, incidents, and activities.
  • Prepare L&I Commissioner for media interviews and public speaking engagements.
  • Develop relationships with reporters and maintain an active list of press contacts.

 

  • Work with departmental staff to create input/feedback/evaluation mechanisms for all outreach strategies, campaigns, and initiatives
  • Work closely with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy of all communications.
  • Coordinate communications for cross-departmental projects, initiatives, and responses to media, ensuring that L&I’s point of view and values are properly reflected.
  • Manage content for L&I’s website, external and internal email campaigns, and other digital and print communications.
  • Support communications efforts of L&I Executive Team.

 

  • Proactively pitch members of the press about positive L&I news.
  • Create press releases and media alerts.
  • Draft Q & A and talking points about L&I issues for Mayor and Managing Director as needed.
  • Spearhead planning and implementation of press events.
  • Promote use of eCLIPSE, L&I’s technology tool.
  • Supervise a small group of subordinate staff and delegate various tasks as needed
  • Assess social media landscape and propose how and when L&I should participate.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
  • Calm under pressure, adaptable, good at problem-solving.
  • 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.
  • Ability to establish and foster working relationships with internal subject matter experts.
  • Ability to work as part of a collaborative team internally and with cross-departmental partners.
  • Understanding of digital and social media platforms and overall landscape.
  • Microsoft Office proficiencies.
  • Knowledge of WordPress a plus.
  • Ability to use graphic design software a plus.
  • Proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English a plus.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Writing, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; and
  • 4-5 years of experience with digital and traditional communications with significant time spent in a media relations capacity.

Alternate educational or experiential credentials can be substituted for all or a portion of these qualifications if applicant submits explanation of how the alternate credentials have prepared them for the position.

Additional Information

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

Salary Range: $90,000-$95,000

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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

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

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