Deputy Director for External Relations

  • Full-time

Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. 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. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

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 Managing Director’s Office (MDO) manages and oversees the operations of the City, including the Rebuilding Communities Initiative (Rebuild).

Rebuild is an MDO initiative to improve physical conditions in selected parks, recreation centers, and libraries.  Rebuild is investing hundreds of millions of dollars over the course of the initiative. In addition to revitalizing neighborhood public spaces, Rebuild is focused on using funded projects to empower and engage with community members and to promote economic opportunity for diverse businesses and individuals. Rebuild projects are carried out by a variety of partners, including consultants, nonprofit partners, and other City agencies. Rebuild works closely with the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation (PPR), the Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), and other City departments.

To learn more about Rebuild, visit rebuild.phila.gov and rebuild.phl on Instagram.

Job Description

The Rebuild Deputy Director of External Relations will provide strategic direction and oversight for communications and fundraising efforts, and support interdepartmental and external relations on behalf of the Rebuild team. As a member of the leadership team the Deputy Director of External Relations is tasked with elevating and amplifying the work of Rebuild through oversight of staff and work of the Communications team and the Grants & Philanthropic Engagement team – working closely with the Executive Director to build and enact a strategic communications and fundraising plan to further support and grow the impact of Rebuild.  

This position is exempt from City Civil Service requirements.

Essential Functions

Oversee Implementation of Fundraising and Communications Strategy and Goals for Rebuild Program

  • Work in coordination with Executive Director to clearly set fundraising, communications and marketing strategies and goals
  • Provide creative approach to increasing exposure of Rebuild on both a local and national scale
  • Provide oversight, direction and support to Communications and Fundraising teams
  • Work closely with Rebuild Deputy Directors and their teams to support Communications and Fundraising efforts

Facilitate fundraising goals for Rebuild

  • Work in tandem with the Rebuild Executive Director, Director of External Affairs, and Director of Finance to create and execute a comprehensive fundraising plan to support the Rebuild program
  • Work with Executive Director and Director of External Affairs to leverage William Penn Foundation Rebuild commitment
  • Work with Director of External Affairs to increase philanthropic support of Rebuild’s work
  • Manage and support all aspects of Fundraising consultant contracts, including annual goals and workplan, scope creation, invoicing and budget, and evaluation
  • Provide strategic direction and support to staff executing fundraising tasks on behalf of Rebuild 

Oversee marketing, communications, and brand strategy for Rebuild

  • Develop and implement brand messaging and identity for Rebuild and ensure a comprehensive strategy and workplan to achieve all communications and marketing goals in coordination with Communications Director and Executive Director
  • Work with Rebuild’s Communication Director to define strategy of Rebuild’s digital and non-digital assets, including but not limited to: website, social media, newsletters and collateral for community engagement, workforce development and Rebuild Ready business development programs.
  • Oversee creation of all external documents including reports, presentations, briefing documents and talking points for the Mayor, Executive Director and other senior staff as needed
  • Provide support to Communications Director in maintenance of department relationships with reporters that focus on the work of the City of Philadelphia, public spaces, and neighborhood development; support development of new reporter relationships as appropriate
  • Oversee Communications consultant contracts, including scope creation, invoicing and budget, and evaluation

 Program Administration: 

  • Provide strategic direction to Communications and Fundraising staff and consultant teams executing tasks on behalf of Rebuild to maximize and improve communications with press and neighborhood stakeholders and to increase fundraising attainment
  • Support internal communications efforts in coordination with the Executive Director, Communications Director, Chief of Staff and Deputy Directors to strengthen understanding of Rebuild’s goals and accomplishments among departments, Council offices and Mayor’s Office
  • Oversee communications efforts in coordination with the Executive Director, Communications Director, Chief of Staff and Deputy Directors to strengthen understanding of Rebuild’s challenges, goals and accomplishments within the department to increase collaboration, problem solving, and recognition of goals met
  • Other duties as assigned

Serve as Leader on behalf of Rebuild

  • Coordinate departmental partnerships with the Managing Director’s Office, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, Free Library of Philadelphia, Mayor’s Office and other key stakeholders in the Rebuild program as it relates to both communications and fundraising coordination 
  • Act as a key thought partner, brainstorming & identifying solutions to challenges
  • Serve as representative of the Executive Director as needed
  • Represent Rebuild at various events, as needed

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Commitment to Rebuild Values – personal commitment to equity and inclusion, two values that run throughout the programmatic design, structure, and implementation of Rebuild
  • Effective Communication – outstanding oral and written communications skills for various audiences; strong interpersonal skills; track record of building effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds; comfort with occasional public speaking (e.g., info sessions), specifically in front of small and medium-sized groups
  • Adaptivity – able to manage change in challenging and complex projects, be resourceful and a self-starter with the flexibility both to work independently and as part of a team; able to work under limited supervision
  • Attention to Detail and Organization – strong organization skills; careful about details; thorough in completing tasks; able to meet deadlines; persistent in pursuit of goals; able to prioritize work and handle multiple priorities simultaneously
  • Critical Thinking – able to use sound and accurate judgement and think creatively to resolve complex problems; able to multi-task under tight deadlines
  • Flexibility – able to operate in an “all-hands-on-deck” environment; eager to contribute to the success of Rebuild, even when tasks may fall outside of core responsibilities
  • Collaborative – able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders (other departments, partners and sponsors, the public, civic and business officials); willingness to take direction and follow instructions
  • Digital Proficiency – able to use online applications and software
  • Industry Awareness – strong knowledge of, or interest in, the field of workforce development and/or the building trades
  • Availability – able and willing to travel locally for meetings, program trainings, and events; able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Work-Life

Working hours are generally 37.5 hours per week.  Our team is currently hybrid with both virtual and in-office days, however the position can opt to come in the office each day if desired.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Fundraising or a related field
  • A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in Communications, Marketing, Fundraising or related field
  • Experience developing comprehensive and clear communications and/or fundraising strategies with strong record of achieving goals
  • Experience managing strategic partnerships
  • Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
  • Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and drive responsibilities through to completion
  • Experience working with diverse populations, preferably in Philadelphia neighborhoods
  • Experience managing a team
  • Competent with Microsoft Office programs, and internet applications
  • Experience with and knowledge of City government preferred

Requirements:

  • Philadelphia residency within six months of employment
  • Valid PA driver’s license and ability to travel locally
  • Ability to work on nights and weekends, as needed
  • Ability to travel to all Rebuild sites
  • Interested candidates must submit a resume, cover letter and writing sample (limit to two pages)

Additional Information

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, writing samples, references and resume.

Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000

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 6 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 faqpchr@phila.gov.

For more information, go to: Human Relations Website: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations/Pages/default.aspx

Job Location