OTIS Communications Manager

City of Philadelphia; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Unlimited free public transportation

Paid parental leave

Comprehensive health coverage

Tuition discounts and scholarships

Job summary

A government agency is seeking a Communications Manager to lead communications for the Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems. The role involves creating multi-channel strategies, managing media relations, and coordinating outreach for various initiatives. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and at least five years of relevant experience. The position offers a salary range of $75,000 to $85,000, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of communications experience.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day communications for OTIS.
• Implement a multi-channel communications strategy.
• Coordinate outreach for OTIS initiatives.
• Serve as the primary OTIS point of contact.
• Manage social media strategy and webpage updates.

Skills

Written and verbal communication skills

Media relations experience

Organizational skills

Proficiency with WordPress

Background in transportation or government communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe Creative Suite

Mailchimp

Canva

Social media platforms

Job description

Overview

The Communications Manager leads day‑to‑day communications for the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and implements a comprehensive communications strategy that highlights OTIS’s work, partners and public programs.

Essential Functions

• Communications Strategy and Management – Create and implement a multi‑channel strategy that includes press, social media, website content, collateral materials and direct engagement with residents.
• Program and Project Communications – Handle day‑to‑day outreach for OTIS initiatives such as Complete Streets, Vision Zero, Indego, and grant‑funded infrastructure projects.
• Partner Coordination – Serve as the primary OTIS point of contact with partner agencies (Bicycle Transit Systems, SEPTA, DVRPC, PennDOT) and coordinate joint press activities.
• Events and Press Relations – Write releases, organize press conferences, brief partners, and cultivate relationships with reporters; monitor coverage and report metrics.
• Digital Communications – Manage social media strategy, develop toolkits, and maintain OTIS webpages on phila.gov.

Required Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to distill complex information for a general audience.
• Extensive experience in media relations, including writing releases, press kits, and managing media events.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize multiple priorities, and a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency with WordPress, Mailchimp, Microsoft Office, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, and social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Background in transportation, infrastructure, or government communications is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Five or more years of communications experience.
• Bilingual proficiency is a plus.

Benefits

• Salary range: $75,000 – $85,000.
• Unlimited free public transportation through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program.
• Paid parental leave, vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive health coverage, retirement savings plan, and Public Service Loan Forgiveness participation.
• Tuition discounts and scholarships for employees and some dependents.

Additional Information

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees in non‑medical, non‑emergency or patient‑facing positions. The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, are encouraged to apply. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume.