Strategic Communications Director

Philadelphia PA; Philadelphia, Northern (Philadelphia County, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free SEPTA transit

Paid parental leave

Health coverage for employees and deps

Wellness program eligibility

Paid vacation and holidays

Retirement savings options

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Tuition discounts

Job summary

The City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks a communications director to lead strategic public relations, media relations, and branding efforts for the agency. You will manage crisis communications, develop messaging, and coordinate with City partners to promote DHS programs and services.

You will supervise staff, plan campaigns, and report on outcomes, while ensuring ethical standards and privacy. A bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in communications are required.

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 child welfare/juvenile justice systems, child protection laws, and regulations preferred.

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.
• Preparing 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.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis communications

Campaign management

Strategic thinking

Communication strategies

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

The City of Philadelphia's Department of Human Services (DHS) seeks a communications director to lead strategic public relations, media relations, and branding efforts for the agency. You will manage crisis communications, develop messaging, and coordinate with City partners to promote DHS programs and services.

You will supervise staff, plan campaigns, and report on outcomes, while ensuring ethical standards and privacy. A bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years in communications are required.