Communications Director

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 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

Job Description

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 communicat