First Deputy Communications Director
City of Philadelphia
Full-time
On-site
Philadelphia Pennsylvania United States
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 Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the City by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing our City and to create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.
The Mayor’s Office hopes to continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results.
The Mayor’s Office focuses on the following main initiatives:
Public Safety
Clean and Green
Housing
Economic Opportunity
Education
Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)
Job Description
Position Summary
The First Deputy Communications Director plays a key leadership role within the Mayor’s Office, managing the day-to-day operations of the Communications Office and ensuring strategic, consistent, and effective messaging across all platforms. Reporting to the Communications Director, this role oversees media relations, digital communications, speechwriting, and public messaging while coordinating with various City departments and stakeholders to amplify the Mayor’s policies, initiatives, and priorities.
The First Deputy serves as a key advisor to the Communications Director and may act as a spokesperson for the administration when needed. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage a fast-paced, high-profile communications environment.
Essential Functions
Oversee the daily operations of the Mayor’s Office of Communications, ensuring alignment with the administration’s messaging and priorities.
Manage and provide strategic guidance to the press team, digital communications staff, speechwriters, and other communications personnel.
Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to promote the Mayor’s initiatives, policies, and public engagements.
Work closely with the Communications Director to craft key messaging, media strategies, and public narratives.
Coordinate messaging across City departments, ensuring consistency and clarity in all external and internal communications.
Supervise the development of press materials, including news releases, statements, speeches, media advisories, and talking points.
Support the Communications Director in managing crisis communications and rapid response strategies.
Assist in preparing the Mayor and senior officials for media engagements, public appearances, and speeches.
Oversee the execution of digital communications strategies, including social media, website content, and multimedia initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with key media representatives, community leaders, and government officials.
Represent the Mayor’s Office in communications-related meetings, events, and press briefings as needed.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
In-depth understanding of media relations, press operations, and government communications.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and national political landscapes and policy issues affecting Philadelphia.
Familiarity with crisis communications, public affairs, and reputation management.
Knowledge of digital media trends, social media strategy, and public engagement best practices.
Understanding of public sector messaging, speechwriting, and branding.
Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messaging.
Strong leadership and management skills, with experience overseeing teams and coordinating multi-department communications.
Strategic planning and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing public narratives and crisis communications.
Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with media, government officials, and community stakeholders.
Proficiency in media monitoring tools, press management software, and digital communication platforms.
Abilities
Ability to develop and execute high-level communications strategies in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Ability to provide expert communications advice to senior officials and City leadership.
Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to adapt to changing news cycles and adjust messaging accordingly.
Ability to represent the Mayor’s Office in an official capacity, speaking on behalf of the administration when needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations, public relations, political communications, or government affairs.
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, and writing sample.
Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000
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 [email protected].
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx
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 Mayor's Office of Philadelphia is dedicated to serving the residents of the City by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities. Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, we work collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges facing our City and to create opportunities for shared prosperity and success.
The Mayor’s Office hopes to continue to build a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. The City of Philadelphia aspires to be a model of effective governance, innovation, and social progress, where government works in partnership with the community to create positive change and achieve meaningful results.
The Mayor’s Office focuses on the following main initiatives:
Public Safety
Clean and Green
Housing
Economic Opportunity
Education
Roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental)
Job Description
Position Summary
The First Deputy Communications Director plays a key leadership role within the Mayor’s Office, managing the day-to-day operations of the Communications Office and ensuring strategic, consistent, and effective messaging across all platforms. Reporting to the Communications Director, this role oversees media relations, digital communications, speechwriting, and public messaging while coordinating with various City departments and stakeholders to amplify the Mayor’s policies, initiatives, and priorities.
The First Deputy serves as a key advisor to the Communications Director and may act as a spokesperson for the administration when needed. This role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage a fast-paced, high-profile communications environment.
Essential Functions
Oversee the daily operations of the Mayor’s Office of Communications, ensuring alignment with the administration’s messaging and priorities.
Manage and provide strategic guidance to the press team, digital communications staff, speechwriters, and other communications personnel.
Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to promote the Mayor’s initiatives, policies, and public engagements.
Work closely with the Communications Director to craft key messaging, media strategies, and public narratives.
Coordinate messaging across City departments, ensuring consistency and clarity in all external and internal communications.
Supervise the development of press materials, including news releases, statements, speeches, media advisories, and talking points.
Support the Communications Director in managing crisis communications and rapid response strategies.
Assist in preparing the Mayor and senior officials for media engagements, public appearances, and speeches.
Oversee the execution of digital communications strategies, including social media, website content, and multimedia initiatives.
Build and maintain relationships with key media representatives, community leaders, and government officials.
Represent the Mayor’s Office in communications-related meetings, events, and press briefings as needed.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
In-depth understanding of media relations, press operations, and government communications.
Strong knowledge of local, state, and national political landscapes and policy issues affecting Philadelphia.
Familiarity with crisis communications, public affairs, and reputation management.
Knowledge of digital media trends, social media strategy, and public engagement best practices.
Understanding of public sector messaging, speechwriting, and branding.
Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, compelling messaging.
Strong leadership and management skills, with experience overseeing teams and coordinating multi-department communications.
Strategic planning and problem-solving skills, particularly in managing public narratives and crisis communications.
Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate with media, government officials, and community stakeholders.
Proficiency in media monitoring tools, press management software, and digital communication platforms.
Abilities
Ability to develop and execute high-level communications strategies in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
Ability to provide expert communications advice to senior officials and City leadership.
Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Ability to adapt to changing news cycles and adjust messaging accordingly.
Ability to represent the Mayor’s Office in an official capacity, speaking on behalf of the administration when needed.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
Minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations, public relations, political communications, or government affairs.
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, and writing sample.
Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000
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 [email protected].
For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx