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 Manager reporting to the Director at the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity is integral in executing strategic communication initiatives that enhance public perception, promote transparency, and engage Philadelphians. The manager will implement communication strategies, manage media relations, and ensure consistent messaging across various platforms. The manager will serve as project manager on various communications initiatives and work collaboratively across the organization to assist teams in developing and implementing their communications needs.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the communication efforts of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity under the guidance of the Director. If you are dedicated to public service and possess the skills to drive impactful communication initiatives, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dynamic team.

Essential Functions

In this role, you will work closely with the Communications Director 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:  

 Communications Strategy Implementation:

• Assist the Director in developing and executing comprehensive communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Coordinate with team members to ensure timely and effective implementation of communication strategies.
• Coordinate messaging to ensure consistency and clarity across all communication channels.
• Support director and data/analytics team in tracking key communications metrics.

Media Coordination and Outreach:

• Support the Director in managing media relations, including responding to inquiries and drafting press releases.
• Help maintain relationships with local media outlets and facilitate media coverage of office initiatives.

Content Development and Internal Communication:

• Create content such as newsletters, updates, and presentations to keep staff informed about office activities and policies.

• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure internal communication channels are effective and engaging.

Community Engagement Initiatives:

• Assist in organizing and promoting community events, public forums, and outreach campaigns to foster civic engagement.
• Monitor feedback from residents and stakeholders to inform communication strategies and improve community relations.

Digital and Social Media Management:

• Support the management of the office's digital presence, including website updates, social media platforms, and email communications.
• Monitor online conversations and engage with the public through social media channels.

Crisis Communication:

• Aid in developing crisis communication protocols and supporting the Director in managing communications during emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Contribute to maintaining public trust and transparency through effective communication strategies.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Previous experience in communications, public relations, or media relations roles, preferably in a government or public sector setting.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft clear and compelling messages for different audiences.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and social media platforms.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and manage multiple projects with attention to detail.

Attributes:

• Proactive and organized, with the ability to implement communication plans and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Commitment to upholding organizational values of transparency, accountability, and public service.
• A passion for community engagement and the ability to convey the office's mission and initiatives effectively.
• Committed to the mission, values, and principles of the Office of Community Empowerment & Opportunity.

Preferred but not required:

• Bilingual (Spanish and/or Mandarin Chinese preferred)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field, such as communication or public affairs, required
• Minimum three to five years of related professional experience required

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Other Specialties, Certifications, Physical Requirements, and Work Conditions

• Regular, predictable attendance is required
• This position operates in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines
• Exertion of physical strength to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects up to 10 pounds. Work involves sitting most of the time. Walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties
• Successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000  

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 6 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer, City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area, ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses, extending not only to City employees but in some cases, spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22, 2023, vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical, non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result, only employees in positions providing services that  are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses, doctors, emergency medical personnel), must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx