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 Office of Children and Families (OCF) aligns the City’s policies, resources, and services for children and families. Our priorities are:

• Safe children
• Strong families
• Supported schools and communities

OCF administers a number of City supported programs, including Out-of-School Time, Community Schools, PHLPreK and Adult Education. The office also oversees the Department of Human Services (DHS), Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, the Free Library of Philadelphia.

• The Communications department helps internal and external audiences understand OCF services and programs. Some primary functions of the office include:
• Public Relations and crisis communications
• Engage users with OCF social media presence
• Support OCF advertising efforts
• Publish performance management reports
• Ensure branding and graphic standards are followed and consistent throughout the office
• Respond to media requests

This is a professional position in the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families (OCF). This position reports to the Chief of Communications & Strategies in OCF and works in collaboration with leadership of its Department of Human Services, Parks & Recreation and Free Library of Philadelphia departments as well as oversees communication of its Prevention, Early Childhood Education and Adult Education division. It plays a significant role in OCF’s internal communications, messaging, branding, social media and marketing of services to employees, clients, the general public, agency providers, other City departments, City Council, and other partners.

Essential Functions

• Secure positive press coverage of programs and initiatives
• Streamline the flow of information within OCF and among other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations and neighborhood residents
• Establish contacts with community groups to encourage community participation and develops programs and strategies to enhance the public’s perception of departmental services
• Oversee branding, design and printing of informational material
• Work with the OCF leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues
• Work with Chief of Communications for the Office of Children and Families to support media relations, including responding to reporters, crafting statements, and drafting press releases, media alerts and op-eds.
• Work collaboratively to support projects across the Office of Children and Families portfolio
• Develop talking points for key staff
• Plan, implement and publicize departmental events and functions
• Support the selection of and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as needed.
• Work with the Office of Children and Families’ design and content team to update website and collateral
• Perform related work as required.
• Supervise communications staffers

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
• Ability to supervise a diverse, creative, fast-paced and multi-talented staff
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment with general policy guidelines
• Ability to work well with different team members and manage lateral reporting relationships
• Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate complex concepts
• Strong written, oral and visual communication skills
• Ability to anticipate public reaction and think strategically
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns
• Must be able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis
• Strong media relationships desired
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired
• Strong working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms
• Ability to work independently to achieve goals
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce solutions
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and/or crisis
• Track record in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors
• Ability to effectively communicate – verbally and in writing – with a variety of stakeholders including direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week, but could vary due to special circumstances or crisis situations.  Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

• 5 – 7 years of paid experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Experience managing complex organizational systems
• Experience managing diverse staff in fast-paced setting
• Experience with both digital and traditional communications
• Experience in media relations and building relationships with local members of the press
• Experience managing advertising and marketing campaigns
• Fluency in other languages is not a requirement, but a plus
• Experience with child welfare/juvenile justice services program is preferred

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

Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• 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
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

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

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

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