📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: First Deputy Communications Director
🔹 Company: City of Philadelphia
🔹 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-28
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Managing daily operations of the Communications Office
- Overseeing media relations, digital communications, and public messaging
- Coordinating with City departments to amplify the Mayor’s initiatives
- Providing strategic guidance and acting as a spokesperson when needed
- Managing a team and ensuring consistent, effective messaging across all platforms
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of experience and expertise in communications, with a strong understanding of local, state, and national political landscapes and policy issues affecting Philadelphia.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ 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.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple projects and shifting priorities, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to adapt to changing news cycles.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Relations, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum of 8 years of experience in media relations, public relations, political communications, or government affairs.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Strong leadership and management skills
- Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
- Excellent relationship-building skills
- Proficiency in media monitoring tools, press management software, and digital communication platforms
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in a second language
- Experience working in government or political communications
ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor’s degree is required, the City of Philadelphia values diverse experiences and is open to flexible qualifications. Applicants with relevant experience and a passion for this role are encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $145,000 - $160,000 per year
Benefits:
- Unlimited free public transportation
- Paid parental leave
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
- Tuition discounts and scholarships
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the public sector and may vary depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: The City of Philadelphia was founded in 1682 and has a rich history and diverse culture.
Company Description:
- Dedicated to serving the residents of Philadelphia by promoting equity, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for all communities.
- Committed to transparency, integrity, and accountability, working collaboratively with city departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders.
- Focuses on initiatives such as public safety, clean and green, housing, economic opportunity, education, and roundtables (business, faith-based, and intergovernmental).
Company Specialties:
- Public communications and messaging
- Media relations and crisis management
- Digital communications and social media strategy
- Speechwriting and public engagement
Company Website: http://www.phila.gov
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia is a large employer with a wide range of job opportunities across various departments and agencies. This role is within the Mayor’s Office, which plays a key role in shaping the city’s narrative and communicating its initiatives to residents and stakeholders.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior-level management position
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Communications Director and may act as a spokesperson for the administration
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position with occasional remote work possible for certain tasks
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to Communications Director or other senior leadership roles within the Mayor’s Office or other City departments
- Opportunities to gain experience in crisis communications, public affairs, and reputation management
- Chance to work on high-profile initiatives and events, enhancing professional portfolio and resume
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for experienced communications professionals looking to advance their careers in the public sector.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US
Office Location(s): 1401 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US
Geographic Context:
- Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populous city in the United States
- Known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse neighborhoods
- Offers a vibrant arts scene, numerous parks, and a thriving food scene
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with occasional evenings and weekends as needed
ASSUMPTION: Philadelphia offers a dynamic and engaging work environment, with a diverse population and a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the Communications Director
- Final interview with the Mayor or a senior member of the Mayor’s staff
- Background check and reference check
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft clear, compelling messaging
- 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
- Knowledge of local, state, and national political landscapes and policy issues affecting Philadelphia
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include specific examples of your experience managing communications strategies, crisis communications, and digital communications initiatives
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
ATS Keywords: Media relations, public relations, political communications, crisis communications, digital communications strategy, speechwriting, leadership, management, public sector messaging
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out and increase the likelihood of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Critical Mention)
- Press management software (e.g., Cision, Meltwater)
- Digital communication platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and platforms is preferred, but not required. The City of Philadelphia provides training and support to help employees develop the necessary skills to excel in their roles.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Service: Dedicated to serving the people of Philadelphia and improving the quality of life for all residents
- Integrity: Committed to acting with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of our work
- Respect: Recognizes the dignity and worth of every individual and strives to create an inclusive and equitable work environment
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Works closely with City departments, agencies, community organizations, and stakeholders to address challenges and create opportunities for shared prosperity and success
- Adaptable: Able to adjust messaging and strategies in response to changing news cycles and shifting priorities
- Results-driven: Focused on achieving meaningful results and making a positive impact on the lives of Philadelphia residents
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to service, integrity, and respect?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with shifting priorities and tight deadlines?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative work environment, and are you able to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia values a diverse and inclusive workforce, and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong commitment to the City’s core values and a willingness to adapt to the unique challenges and opportunities presented by working in the public sector.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a high-profile, fast-paced communications office with a wide range of stakeholders and media outlets
- Navigating complex political landscapes and balancing competing interests and priorities
- Adapting to changing news cycles and shifting public narratives in real-time
- Balancing the demands of the role with personal and family responsibilities
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to working in a high-level communications role within the public sector. Successful candidates will possess strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability skills to thrive in this dynamic environment.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to similar roles in the private sector, this position offers a unique opportunity to work directly with the Mayor and senior leadership, shaping the city’s narrative and communicating its initiatives to a diverse population
- Unlike roles in other industries, this position requires a deep understanding of local, state, and national political landscapes and policy issues affecting Philadelphia
- Career progression in government communications may differ from that in the private sector, with opportunities for advancement based on performance, leadership potential, and organizational needs
ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with communications positions in other sectors, it offers unique challenges and opportunities specific to working in the public sector and within the Mayor’s Office.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to launch a major city initiative, such as a new public transportation project or affordable housing program
- Managing crisis communications in response to a natural disaster, public health emergency, or other unexpected event
- Coordinating a high-profile event, such as a mayoral inauguration, international conference, or major sporting event
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and challenges faced by the First Deputy Communications Director, requiring strong leadership, strategic thinking, and adaptability skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workweek for this role, and how the Communications Director and I would collaborate to manage priorities and deadlines?
- How does the Mayor’s Office support and empower the Communications Office in achieving its goals and objectives?
- What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the City of Philadelphia, and how would my role contribute to addressing them?
- How does the City of Philadelphia foster a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and what initiatives are in place to support employees from underrepresented backgrounds?
- What opportunities are available for professional development and growth within the Mayor’s Office and the City of Philadelphia more broadly?
ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help you better understand the role, the work environment, and the City of Philadelphia’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Asking thoughtful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and your ability to contribute to the team’s success.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to craft clear, compelling messaging for a variety of audiences and platforms
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
