📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Senior Creative Media Specialist
🔹 Company: City of Philadelphia
🔹 Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Government Administration
🔹 Date Posted: June 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading a team of designers and overseeing multiple projects
- Developing visually compelling print and digital assets
- Collaborating with various teams to meet strategic objectives
- Staying up-to-date with design trends and best practices
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of visual storytelling, branding, layout design, and multimedia production to develop high-quality creative assets. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled designer with expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud and a passion for creating compelling, engaging, and strategically aligned visual content.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead and mentor a team of designers, providing guidance, feedback, and support to enhance creative output.
✅ Oversee and manage multiple design projects, ensuring deadlines, brand consistency, and quality standards are met.
✅ Schedule and assign work to team members, balancing workloads effectively to meet priorities.
✅ Develop visually compelling print and digital assets that support branding, marketing, and communication goals.
✅ Maintain a consistent and professional brand identity across all design projects.
✅ Collaborate with marketing, communications, and creative teams to develop engaging visual content that meets strategic objectives.
✅ Work closely with printers and vendors to ensure high-quality print production.
✅ Stay up-to-date with design trends, print production techniques, and digital design best practices.
ASSUMPTION: The responsibilities listed above are essential for this role, but the successful candidate may also be required to perform other duties as assigned or required by the City of Philadelphia.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Experience: 7+ years of experience in print and digital design, with at least 3 years in a leadership or management role.
Required Skills:
- Expertise in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign; After Effects and Premiere Pro a plus)
- Strong background in brand management, layout design, and visual storytelling
- Proven ability to lead and mentor a team of designers, manage workflows, and oversee multiple projects simultaneously
- Knowledge of print production processes and digital asset optimization
- Familiarity with project management tools and workflow systems for scheduling and tracking work
- Understanding of accessibility standards (ADA compliance) for digital and print design is a plus
Preferred Skills:
- Experience collaborating with marketing, communications, and production teams to execute design projects effectively
ASSUMPTION: The required qualifications listed above are essential for this role. However, the City of Philadelphia may consider candidates who possess a combination of relevant education, experience, and skills that demonstrate their ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000
Benefits:
- Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents
- Wellness program offering eligibility into the discounted medical plan
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Generous retirement savings options
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility
- Free commute on SEPTA
- Tuition discounts and scholarships
Working Hours: 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a Senior Creative Media Specialist role in the Philadelphia area. The actual salary may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and the City of Philadelphia's internal compensation structure.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Government Administration
Company Size: 10,001+ employees
Founded: The City of Philadelphia was founded in 1682 and has since grown into the fifth-largest city in the United States.
Company Description:
- The City of Philadelphia is committed to providing high-quality services to its residents and visitors while fostering a culture of innovation, integrity, and collaboration.
- The Office of Innovation & Technology (OIT) is the central IT agency for the City of Philadelphia, responsible for overseeing all major information and communications technology initiatives.
- The Web & Creative Services Group generates over 300+ print concepts, digital advertisements, and video productions annually, supporting over 40 departments within the City of Philadelphia.
Company Specialties:
- Government services
- Information technology
- Creative design and multimedia production
Company Website: http://www.phila.gov
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia is a large and diverse organization with a wide range of job opportunities. This role is part of the Office of Innovation & Technology, which plays a critical role in ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of city services.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior-level position
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Mayor’s Office of Communication and oversees a team of designers.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a management or leadership role within the Office of Innovation & Technology or other city departments
- Opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and collaborate with various teams across the city
- Access to professional development and training opportunities
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for growth and development within the City of Philadelphia. The ideal candidate will be proactive, innovative, and committed to continuous learning and improvement.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: On-site, government office
Office Location(s): City Hall, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US; 1515 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US; 1401 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19102, US
Geographic Context:
- Philadelphia is the fifth-most populous city in the United States and the most populous city in the state of Pennsylvania
- The city is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and diverse neighborhoods
- Philadelphia is home to numerous Fortune 500 companies and offers a vibrant job market
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, with flexibility for project demands
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia offers a dynamic and fast-paced work environment, with opportunities to collaborate with various teams and make a significant impact on the city's operations and services.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
- Background check and reference check
- Final decision and offer
Key Assessment Areas:
- Design skills and portfolio
- Leadership and management abilities
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Cultural fit and alignment with the City of Philadelphia's values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include a portfolio or samples of your work that demonstrate your design skills and versatility
- Be prepared to discuss your design process, creative approach, and how you have overcome challenges in previous projects
- Research the City of Philadelphia and the Office of Innovation & Technology to show your enthusiasm and understanding of the organization
ATS Keywords: Adobe Creative Cloud, graphic design, print design, digital design, multimedia production, leadership, management, teamwork, collaboration, project management, brand management, visual storytelling
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 your chances of being selected for an interview.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Premiere Pro)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Print production software (e.g., InDesign, Illustrator)
- Digital asset management systems (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Canto DAM)
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively. However, the successful candidate may need to adapt to new tools or technologies as the organization evolves.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Service: Dedicated to meeting the needs of Philadelphia’s diverse communities
- Integrity: Upholding the highest ethical standards in all actions and decisions
- Respect: Valuing and promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity
- Accountability: Taking responsibility for our actions and their outcomes
- Collaboration: Working together to achieve common goals and drive positive change
- Diversity and Inclusion: Fostering an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to succeed
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on delivering high-quality services
- Adaptable and responsive to change
- Customer-focused and committed to continuous improvement
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to public service and a passion for improving the lives of Philadelphia residents?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities?
- Do you thrive in a collaborative setting and enjoy working with diverse teams to achieve common goals?
- Are you committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and maintaining a strong sense of integrity in your work?
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia values employees who are dedicated, hardworking, and committed to delivering exceptional services to the residents of Philadelphia. The ideal candidate will be a strong cultural fit and align with the organization's core values.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a large, complex organization with numerous departments and stakeholders
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Adapting to changes in priorities and workflows
- Navigating a competitive job market and demonstrating your value to the organization
- Balancing the demands of a full-time, on-site position with personal responsibilities and commitments
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia offers a dynamic and challenging work environment, with opportunities for growth and development. However, the successful candidate must be adaptable, resilient, and committed to overcoming obstacles to achieve their goals.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other senior-level creative media specialist positions in government, non-profit, and corporate settings. However, the City of Philadelphia offers unique opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and collaborate with various teams across the city.
- Government roles often require a strong commitment to public service and a passion for improving the lives of community members. This role is no exception and offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the city's operations and services.
- Career paths for this role may include advancing to a management or leadership position within the Office of Innovation & Technology or other city departments, as well as opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and collaborate with various teams across the city.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with opportunities for growth and development within the City of Philadelphia.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive branding guide for a city department, including logo design, color scheme, and typography
- Creating a series of social media graphics and animations to promote a city-wide event or initiative
- Designing and producing a video series to educate residents about a new city program or service
ASSUMPTION: The City of Philadelphia offers a wide range of projects and initiatives, providing opportunities for creative media specialists to work on diverse and challenging assignments.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Web & Creative Services Group?
- How does the Office of Innovation & Technology support and collaborate with other city departments?
- What are the most challenging aspects of working in a government environment, and how does the City of Philadelphia address these challenges?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within the Office of Innovation & Technology?
- How does the City of Philadelphia foster a culture of innovation and creativity within its teams?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to understanding the organization's culture and values.
📌 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
- Include a portfolio or samples of your work that demonstrate your design skills and versatility
- Prepare for your interview by researching the City of Philadelphia and the Office of Innovation & Technology
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
