Communications Director

About the role

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) is the county child welfare and juvenile justice agency with a workforce of over 1,500 employees, serving approximately 10,000 children per year with an array of supportive services. With a budget of over $900 million, DHS’ mission is to serve Philadelphia’s children, youth, families, and communities by building on their strengths and advancing safe and supportive environments.

Responsibilities

• Manage public relations and crisis communications.
• Manage media relations including handling press inquiries, facilitating media interviews, and securing press coverage of programs and initiatives.
• Prepare press releases, op-eds, and media pitches that convey important information about the agency’s work, successes, and challenges.
• Engage users with social media presence to promote the Department’s mission and programs.
• Lead and direct advertising efforts to promote programs and enhance recruitment.
• Develop talking points for key staff.
• Publish performance management reports.
• Ensure branding and graphic standards are followed and consistent throughout the office.
• Streamline the flow of information within DHS and among other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations, and neighborhood residents.
• Build relationships with community-based organizations and other stakeholders to encourage community participation and strategies to enhance the public’s perception of departmental services.
• Oversee branding, design, and printing of informational material.
• Work with the DHS leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues.
• Plan, implement, and publicize departmental events and functions.
• Support the selection of and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as required.
• Report to leadership on communication outcomes and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.
• Work with the design and content team to update website and collateral.
• Support media coordination for PHL Pre-K, Out of School Time, and Career Connected Learning.
• Supervise and manage subordinate staff.
• Coordinate and attend community events at times during non-traditional hours.
• Coordinate with Mayor’s Press Office and other City agencies as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex concepts.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long- and short-term communication strategies.
• Ability to navigate high-pressure situations, such as public relations crises, calmly and effectively.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or priorities, especially in fast-moving situations such as media responses or policy changes.
• Track record in establishing and maintaining positive working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement with general policy guidelines.
• Ability to identify issues or challenges early on and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to understand the big picture and relate well to staff, communities, and the press.
• Ability to collaborate effectively internally, across departments, and with various organizations.
• Ability to maintain high standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns.
• Strong commitment to ethical guidelines, especially regarding confidentiality, privacy, and respect for children, youth, and families.
• Familiarity with analytics tools to track the effectiveness of communications campaigns.
• Must be flexible and able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 5 – 7 years of paid experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable experience.
• Experience in supervising a team.
• Experience managing complex organizational systems.
• 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.
• Experience with child welfare/juvenile justice systems, child protection laws, and regulations preferred.

Benefits

• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Wellness program eligibility for discounted medical plan.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Generous retirement savings options.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships at over a dozen local colleges and universities (10%–40% savings, sometimes extending to spouse and dependents).

Pay

$90,000 to $105,000

The successful candidate must be a City of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire.