Communications Director

Job Description

The Communications Director is responsible for departmental promotional, ceremonial, and public information functions. The person in this position sets high-level strategy and coordinates implementation of the informational and communications policies and programs for the department.

The director supervises a staff of communications personnel gathering, preparing, and disseminating promotional and publicity materials and plans the timing, distribution, and release of Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s messages to the media and the public.

In addition, the director executes key objectives of PPR’s strategic plan and related organizational development initiatives under the supervision of the Commissioner.

The Special Projects & Communications Director works closely with the PPR executive team and other city departments, agencies, and partners to advance various communications initiatives and special projects.

Essential Functions

Develop and implement strategic marketing and communications plans to advance Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s brand identity and broaden awareness of its programs, services, and initiatives across the city.

Work with departmental officials to monitor and review current educational, informational, promotional, and communications programs and formulate strategies to enhance effectiveness;

coordinate departmental communications efforts with other directors and managers. Provide leadership to continue to grow and enhance PPR’s communication efforts / campaign, including social media and multimedia to attract new followers not currently connected to the department’s programs or services.

Through subordinate supervisors, direct staff in the creation of print and digital content, including but not limited to social media, blogs, website content, newsletters, press releases, and flyers.

Review work of subordinates for relevance, accuracy, and conformance to departmental objectives. Provide oversight of departmental external outreach, branding and marketing efforts, including tabling outreach, staff attire, and promotional giveaways.

Prepare written and oral statistical and narrative reports on progress and status of work unit projects. Use data and analytics to inform recommendations and measure outcomes.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, departmental managers, private and nonprofit partners, community groups and organizations, vendors / consultants, representatives of the media and the public.

Prepare and manage work unit budgets.

Compile and edit departmental reports.

Prepare materials for the media and respond to press inquiries.

Support grant writing and management.

Write speeches and contribute to development of official presentations.

Collaborate with Human Resources staff on internal communications products.

Assist First Deputy Commissioner of Strategy and Engagement with implementation of the department’s strategic plan.Develop strategies to communicate the plan’s progress and engage staff at all levels.

Lead implementation of goals related to communications, marketing, employee engagement, and customer service.

Serve on leadership committee for signage standards implementation.

Provide Commissioner’s Office with project management and communications support for high-level initiatives.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Know-how of administrative and managerial practices, policies, and procedures as applied to the implementation, operation, and coordination of activities within a parks and recreational agency

Mastery of the philosophy, objectives, methods, facilities, and equipment of organized recreation on a large and varied scale.

Deep understanding of the structure and functions of city departments and their relationship to achieving program goals

Expertise in the methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and the mass communications media available for such activities;

public relations and digital communications principles and practices; speech writing techniques including data compilation, research, and preparation of final drafts.

Excellent writing / editing and verbal communication skills

Knowledge and experience developing communications products to meet the needs of varied groups and community interests

Ability to supervise a diverse team of staff and effectively delegate assignments in consideration of organization structure and staff abilities.

Proficient in the principles and practices of project management and their application in solving a variety of operational and administrative problems

Able to analyze and evaluate complex organizational, administrative, and managerial problems and to develop new or alternative strategies to achieve goals and objectives.

Relationship builder with the flexibility and finesse to "manage by influence"

Highly collaborative style; experience developing and implementing communications strategies

Strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing a variety of key initiatives concurrently

Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, advisory board members, media, elected officials, partners, residents, and visitors

Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives