Director of Communications

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 Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO) provides leadership on issues of economic justice by advancing racial equity and inclusive growth to ensure that all Philadelphians share in the city’s prosperous future and by alleviating the immediate impact of poverty on individuals, families and communities.  CEO is Philadelphia’s Community Action Agency (CAA); CAAs are private or public agencies created by the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and federally designated to receive Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.

Guiding Principles (We believe…)

• The people of Philadelphia deserve the opportunity to live happy, healthy, full lives. 
• City Government should both recognize its culpability in creating and sustaining inequity and aspire to its responsibility to provide opportunities, represent the best interests, and promote the well-being of all residents. 
• People can offer meaningful insights into both personal experiences and how systems around them function. 
• Poverty is a deliberately created systemic issue and city government can lead in calling for justice and dismantling the barriers that often prevent opportunities. 

Values (How we work)

• Dignity: We actively respect our individual colleagues and people in the community.
• Inclusivity: Our work is more beneficial, valuable, and valid when our full range of experiences, knowledge, and skills can contribute.
• Persistence: We recognize the challenges inherent in this work, and when we get discouraged, we find ways to be resilient, lift each other up, and push forward.
• Accountability: We are transparent and honest about our plans, our actions, and our results.
• Honesty: We create a space to have healthy, honest dialogues about systems, people, and misconceptions and then communicate truthfully.

Job Description

The Communications Director for the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity will play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and understanding, enhancing transparency, and fostering community engagement. Strategic communication skills will be essential in effectively conveying the office's initiatives, policies, and achievements to diverse stakeholders, including residents, media outlets, other city offices, funders, and partner organizations.

The Communications Director supervises one manager and is a part of the Racial Equity vertical, collaborating with this team and others on organizational priorities and shaping the narrative around racial equity, economic mobility, and poverty in Philadelphia.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the public good by effectively communicating the work and impact of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity. If you are passionate about public service and possess the skills to drive meaningful communication initiatives, we invite you to apply and help shape the future of our community.

Essential Functions

In this role, you will work closely with the Chief Racial Equity Officer and across the organization to communicate CEO’s strategy, progress, and mission related to our work in Philadelphia and as a Community Action Agency.

Key Responsibilities:  

 Strategic Communication Planning:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the office's objectives and priorities.
• Lead office’s strategic branding processes and ensure consistency of brand promise and messaging.
• Plan and produce annual Impact report and other key annual written reports.
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