Communications and Outreach Manager

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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 Department of Revenue collects over $5 billion dollars from hundreds of thousands of taxpayers to support the School District of Philadelphia and City services while providing excellent service to customers that is fair and efficient.  Additionally, the Department provides over $300 million in tax relief to a quarter million households.

The Department of Revenue is seeking a Communications and Outreach Manager to create and execute the Department’s Communications plan as well as provide oversight and support of its outreach program.

Position Summary

The position will identify opportunities to improve and expand the Department’s communications and outreach efforts and is an advocate for the use of plain voice and accessible information, data-driven decision making, and using human centered design.  This position is important for internal and external change management as the Department rolls out several high-profile projects.  The position will help develop and implement effective strategies that align with the Department’s goals and objectives.  This position reports to the Director for Outreach and Taxpayer Assistance.

Essential Functions

Areas of responsibility include, but may not be limited to:

• The Department’s outreach efforts:
  • Developing, supporting, and attending, events to increase enrollment in tax and water assistance programs and increase compliance for all taxes
  • Manage digital outreach efforts including
    • Supervision of website content for the department’s web portfolio (www.phila.gov/revenue, www.phila.gov/revenue/realestatetax/) and other website support as needed (Philadelphia Tax Center, etc)
    • Social media content supervision (LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, & Twitter)
    • Blog and video content creation
  • Create and follow an editorial calendar to support the Department’s goals
  • Foster and develop relationships with stakeholders, community leaders, advocacy groups, and elected officials.
  • Support and attend public speaking opportunities to present Revenue as thought leaders in our industry.
• The Department’s internal and external communications efforts
  • Creating and improving print materials like flyers and guides
  • Support the creation of white papers (in collaboration with the Policy and Research Teams)
  • Support internal and external training efforts as needed
• Support change management communications for the Department’s major initiatives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local media outlets, as well as pitching and seeking earned media coverage. (traditional media – newspaper and television)
• Manage the Department’s email campaigns, and physical print letters / mailings as required
• Support and collaborate on the Department’s EITC and CTC campaigns, as necessary
• Guide the creation of letters, forms, and other materials created throughout the department to ensure consistency in tone and messaging, and that they meet the readability and accessibility goals of the department.
• Manage some outreach and communication contracts
• Lead and supervise outreach and communications staff by providing guidance, mentorship, and support to Public Information Officer, Public Relations Specialist, Digital Content Editor, Technical Writer.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Detail-oriented: Sees and manages assignments with precision and reliability so that content is clear, accurate, and consistent with standards. (Please note that inaccurate information on phila.gov can negatively impact the lives of Philadelphia residents. This competency is absolutely essential.)
• Organized: Manages large projects, estimates timelines, prioritizes and reworks a project approach based on unforeseen challenges. Works well under pressure and sets reasonable deadlines for self and content team.
• Excellent communicator: Able to clearly address a complex subject and break it down into crisp, simple language. Bi- or multi-lingual is highly preferred.
• Relationship-builder: Works comfortably with a variety of people and personalities, and cultivates strong relationships, to ensure collaboration and continued project support.
• Curious: Asks questions to better understand a problem, takes interest in colleagues’ specializations and challenges, receives and gives constructive feedback, and learns new skills.
• Compassionate: Uses empathy for others’ experiences to create actionable solutions that address people’s real needs with integrity.
• Action-oriented: Sees opportunities, navigates barriers, and creates solutions that enhance deliverables, processes, and practices.
• Resilient: Has a sense of humor, learns from mistakes, and returns to work after experiencing a setback.
• Scrappy: Has the ingenuity to solve problems and deliver quality results even when working within constraints.

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Strong attention to detail is mandatory

Ability to prepare clear and effective written communication

Ability to speak and translate into one or more languages is preferred

Ability to and enjoyment of public speaking

Knowledge of digital media/social media trends, analytics and best practices

Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities

Strong editing, proofreading, layout and design skills

Professional printing/publishing knowledge and/or video content creation preferred

Skill in using communication software and tools

Ability to be self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management

Ability to work effectively under pressure in a changing environment

Ability to be creative and have initiative

Bachelor’s Degree with experience in English, Journalism, Marketing, Communications, or related field

At least two years of full-time professional experience in journalism and content strategy

The Department of Revenue is interested in hiring the best possible candidate for the job. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred; however, we recognize that experience, education, and qualifications can be attained in a variety of ways and many skill sets are transferable. If you feel you’re a good fit, please don’t hesitate to apply.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a resume.

Salary Range: $80,00 - $95,000

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