Communications Manager (Capital Program Office)

Position Summary

This is a full-time, in-person position.  The Communications Manager will work with the Communications Director to implement communications strategies to promote public understanding of the work of the Capital Program Office ensuring that residents, as well as businesses and schools, see their tax dollars at work and understand how capital projects improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods and business communities.

This position will primarily oversee digital communications and creative content creation, including, but not limited to, managing contracts with creative and digital media consultants, managing the website, social media channels, email campaigns, and other digital communications. 

This position will also manage key aspects of event planning and contribute to overall strategy, media materials, talking points, and other public-facing materials.

A successful candidate will be able to work independently and own their tasks with minimal oversight.

Essential Functions

• • Manage Capital Program Office’s digital presence, including social media platforms, and website content and calendar.
  • Manage creative content creation, including managing digital media consultants, coordinating photo and video of active projects, copywriting, and capturing video and photo content on-site as needed.
  • Manage key aspects of ribbon cutting and groundbreaking press event planning, including but not limited to:
    • • Coordinating schedules with elected officials and other speakers,
      • Developing a run-of-show,
      • Creating social media toolkits,
      • Promoting events on NextDoor,
      • Writing talking points,
      • Managing project before and after photo/video needs.
      • Overseeing the distribution of media advisories, press releases, and ICYMI announcements on Mailchimp.
• • Manage the development of progress reports and newsletters for residents and stakeholders.
  • Manage seasonal interns who will support content development and visual storytelling.
  • Support the Communications Director in the development and execution of the Capital Program Office Communications Strategy, and ensure all communications align with the overall strategy.
  • Support Capital Program Office staff with site and project-specific digital communications such as website updates, blog posts and social media ads for RFP announcements and contract opportunities, and community engagement meetings.
  • Support the development of a new centralized system for communications and engagement with residents and stakeholders.
  • Assist Communications Director with pitching and leveraging interactions with media to tell engaging stories about specific Capital Program Office projects and their impact on residents and the community.
  • Work closely with the Communications Director and subject matter experts at all levels of Capital Program Office client departments to accomplish the above functions.
  • Operates with minimal direction on complex or high-impact communications
  • Owns projects from concept through execution rather than supporting discrete tasks.
  • Exercises independent judgment in sensitive or ambiguous situations.
  • Serves as a go-to resource or informal mentor for less experienced staff.
  • Influences communication strategy rather than only implementing it.
  • Represent the communications function in cross-departmental meetings and project teams as a subject-matter expert.
  • Analyze engagement metrics and outcomes to refine strategies and improve effectiveness.
  • Develop and execute comprehensive communication plans for high-visibility or complex projects, including multi-channel campaigns (digital, internal, external, media).
  • Translate complex, technical, or policy-driven information into clear, accessible communications for diverse audiences.
  • Draft, edit, and finalize executive-level materials, including talking points, speeches, press materials, internal announcements, and stakeholder briefings.
  • Independently manage communications for sensitive or time-critical issues, exercising sound judgment and discretion.
  • Coordinate with leadership, subject-matter experts, and cross-functional teams to ensure message alignment and consistency.
  • Anticipate communication risks and proactively recommend mitigation strategies.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills – outstanding oral and written communications skills for various audiences, strong interpersonal skills and ability to build effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Outstanding Writing ability – ability to take complicated financial/budget and project development “speak” and turn into clear, accessible language for target audiences. Knowing when to write more technical and detailed, and when to write in simple statements/content.
• Adaptability – ability to drive change in challenging and complex projects, and to be a self-starter with the flexibility to both work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills – Known for attention to detail, prioritizing tasks, and record keeping.
• Critical Thinking – the ability to use sound and accurate judgement and think creatively to resolve complex problems and the ability to multi-task under tight deadlines.
• Flexibility – Ability to “go with the flow, stop and start projects when deadlines and priorities change. 
• Innovative thinking – ability and interest to bring new ideas to the table and suggest ways to execute.
• Collaborative – Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, such as other departments, partners and sponsors, the public, local, civic and business, and elected officials, and news organizations

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Humanities or a related field
• 4+ years of professional experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, marketing, or a closely related field, as experience leading communication initiatives or campaigns of moderate to high complexity.
• Experience with writing press releases, media alerts, Q&A, and digital content
• Competent with Microsoft Office programs, Internet applications, and social media platforms. Experience with TikTok and/or Snapchat marketing and content creation a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
• Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion
• Ability to build relationships with cross-sector partners and work as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed
• Ability to travel to all project sites. Must be comfortable driving a City car to project sites.

Requirements:

• Valid PA driver’s license and ability to travel locally

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, driver's license and writing sample.

Salary Range: $67,000- $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 8 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