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 Department of Commerce is the economic catalyst for the City of Philadelphia helping all businesses thrive. Commerce creates equitable wealth building opportunities through strategic investments and ecosystem partnerships to grow quality jobs, build capacity in under-resourced communities, and make it easier to operate a successful business in Philadelphia.

Strategic Priorities:

• Provide trusted guidance and a simplified process to establish, grow, and operate a business

• Drive equitable neighborhood revitalization that contributes to vibrant commercial corridors

• Attract and retain businesses through business resources and strategic investments

• Connect talent to growth industries and to jobs that pay family-sustaining wages

• Bolster equitable access to capital and contracts for people who have been historically underserved

• Leverage partnerships and research to drive policy and strategy

The Office of Policy & Strategic Initiatives oversees functions needed to support and promote all of the above Commerce Department priorities. The unit comprises the job functions that focus on department-wide strategic initiatives including communications, policy coordination, data collection and analysis, research, report preparation, performance metrics, process improvement, and business advocacy. The work involves collaborating with teams across the department on special projects and initiatives, and across City government and our many partners as needed.

The Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing, will report to the Director, Communications and Marketing, and will work closely with assigned Deputy Commerce Directors and their units.

The Director of Communications and Marketing leads all media relations, advertising efforts, speechwriting, systems improvements, strategic communications and marketing plans, high-level messaging, and coordination for the Department of Commerce with the Mayor’s Office.

The Senior Manager will be responsible for the following:

1. Spearhead social media, online and phila.gov content strategy for assigned units
2. Spearhead graphic design strategies and the creation of documents for assigned units
3. Expand outreach, events, and information accessibility for the business community

Essential Functions

Spearhead social media, online and phila.gov content strategy for assigned units

• Collaborate with the communications team on a social media calendar that keeps all Commerce accounts active consistently while optimizing audience growth, reach, and engagement.
• Compose educational content for businesses while highlighting assigned units programs and citywide resources on phila.gov blog webpage and social media platforms
• Monitor partner accounts and share relevant content to amplify resources for businesses
• Collaborate with the communications team on creative strategies and campaigns to showcase the stories of diverse businesses and community-serving nonprofits through Commerce’s blog, social media channels and presentations, and other available channels.
• Update the Commerce public events calendar with business webinars and events as shared by partner organizations and Commerce staff within designated units
• Maintain Commerce Flickr account with quality photos of Philadelphia businesses, commercial corridors and events as captured by Commerce staff and contracted photographers
• Attend events to capture content such as reels and photos, as needed
• Collaborate with communications team on educational video productions for businesses that would be posted on Commerce YouTube channel and/or other online platforms
• Track press clips with stories aligned with assigned units priorities that can be highlighted on social media platforms
• Respond to business-related questions by businesses and residents on social media platforms
• Track phila.gov assigned units webpages for recurring updates needed and share with the Communications Director to incorporate next steps as applicable
• Manage social media campaigns in partnership with communications team
• Plan with communications team on multilingual, accessible, and plain language content strategy
• Communicate timely information for the public and highlight new Commerce announcements 
• Prepare monthly performance reports for digital communications with communications team

Spearhead graphic design strategies and the creation of documents for assigned units

• Support the collaborative development of documents and annual reports, including the creation of outlines, writing, editing, and proofreading in alignment with specific goals of assigned units
• Oversee the development and maintenance of assigned units presentations and pitch decks
• Develop unit-based work plans to support relevant projects and events meeting the needs of businesses
• Create well-designed guides, brochures, flyers and infographics for businesses, as needed
• Create online and printed visuals that are easy to understand for businesses and residents
• Coordinate with Communications Director to ensure Commerce PowerPoint template is consistently up to date with assigned units new services
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date internal list of services, events and programs offered by assigned units for reference and media relations by the Communications Director
• Coordinate with Communications Director to ensure daily content, design and outreach strategy align with Commerce messaging and priorities to help businesses and residents thrive in Philadelphia
• Coordinate collaboratively with communications team through a strategic project management system

Expand outreach, events and information accessibility for the business community

• Collaborate with the communications team on the development of events (example: Minority Enterprise Development Week) that bring positive attention to Philadelphia’s businesses.
• Coordinate tasks that meet the goals of Commerce-wide outreach plan with business services staff, communications, and marketing team
• Collaborate with communications team, departmental staff on outreach to businesses and entrepreneurs to generate awareness of the department’s resources for businesses.
• Elevate clear, plain-language, inclusive and accessible strategies for businesses and residents
• Maintain working knowledge of relevant initiatives, industry trends, and services offered by the Department of Commerce, and citywide economic development partners
• Research and execute suitable marketing opportunities alongside Communications Director and team that can highlight the Philadelphia market as a place for business and investment.
• Coordinate communications and marketing efforts with partner organizations that work closely with assigned units and priority public audiences.
• Support the Communications Director with email marketing and newsletters through content creation representing assigned units and contact list management
• Work with departmental staff to increase input/feedback/evaluation mechanisms for all outreach strategies, campaigns, and initiatives through a coordinated communication system
• Manage constituency engagement through communications surveys and other feedback channels based on the programs and services of assigned units
• Maintain Commerce internal communications calendar up to date for strategic coordination
• Other duties as assigned by and in collaboration with the Communications Director or Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Self-starter personality with an innovative, inquisitive, collaborative, and creative mindset
• Content writing, marketing, and graphic design experience with knowledge of best practices for social media marketing to optimize audience growth, reach, and engagement
• Experience or interest in community organizing, business services and economic opportunity
• Familiarity with using online meeting platforms for public-facing events with understanding of the best practices of writing for the web, blog writing, plain language, and digital accessibility
• Experience in copywriting, proofreading and editing with an eye for detail
• Outstanding verbal and written communications skills
• Highly organized with project management and planning skills
• Capable of tracking files, content, and projects in well-organized workplans
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• Flexible and comfortable working outside of a set schedule as needed
• Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion
• Proficient Microsoft Office usage with interest in keeping up with new communications online software
• Ability to establish and foster relationships with diverse partners and to work as part of a collaborative team

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week. Our team is current hybrid. Staff are required to be in the office at least 3 days per week in office (M, W, + 1 day of your choice). Due to the nature of a communications role, there may be evening and weekend work.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, preferably with a degree or major course work in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of relevant experience. 
• Additional experience may be considered in lieu of a bachelor's degree.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a writing sample and resume.

Salary: $67,000

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 [email protected].

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