Head of Internal Communications

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. 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. Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) is the county child welfare and juvenile justice agency with a workforce of over 1,500 employees, serving approximately 10,000 children per year with an array of supportive services. With a budget of over 900 million dollars, DHS’ mission is to serve Philadelphia’s children, youth, families, and communities by building on their strengths and advancing safe and supportive environments.
The director will play a significant role in DHS’ internal and external communications, messaging, branding, social media, and marketing of services to employees, clients, the general public, agency providers, other City departments, City Council, and other partners.
Manage public relations and crisis communications.

• Publish performance management reports.
• Ensure branding and graphic standards are followed and consistent throughout the office.
• Streamline the flow of information within DHS and among other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations, and neighborhood residents.
• Build relationships with community-based organizations and other stakeholders to encourage community participation and strategies to enhance the public’s perception of departmental services.
• Oversee branding, design, and printing of informational material.
• Work with the DHS leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues.
• Support the selection of and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as required.
• Report to leadership on communication outcomes and adjust strategies based on feedback and results.
• Work with the design and content team to update website and collateral.
• Coordinate and attend community events at times during non-traditional hours.
• Coordinate with Mayor’s Press Office and other City agencies as needed.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement long- and short-term communication strategies.
• Ability to navigate high-pressure situations, such as public relations crises, calmly and effectively.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances or priorities, especially in fast-moving situations such as media responses or policy changes.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement with general policy guidelines.
• Ability to identify issues or challenges early on and devise creative and effective solutions.
• Ability to understand the big picture and relate well to staff, communities, and the press.
• Ability to maintain high standards of quality and attention to detail.
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns.
• Strong commitment to ethical guidelines, especially regarding confidentiality, privacy, and respect for children, youth, and families.
• Familiarity with analytics tools to track the effectiveness of communications campaigns.
• Must be flexible and able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis.
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired.
• Strong working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms.
• 5 – 7 years of paid experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field or comparable experience.
• Experience with both digital and traditional communications.
• Experience in media relations and building relationships with local members of the press.
• Experience with child welfare/juvenile justice systems, child protection laws, and regulations preferred.

Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.
Employees can ride on SEPTA buses, subways, trolleys, and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
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
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. 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. Human Relations Website: