Director of Digital Strategy

Company Description

With a workforce of over 25,000 people and opportunities in more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States and one of the largest employers in Southeastern Pennsylvania. As an employer, the City of Philadelphia adheres to its guiding principles of service, integrity, respect, accountability, collaboration, diversity and inclusion. Through these principles, we strive to effectively deliver services, resolve the challenges facing our city, and make Philadelphia a place where all residents have an opportunity to reach their potential. 

The Office of Innovation and Technology (OIT) oversees most major technology projects for the City of Philadelphia, ensures continuity of the City's technology operations, and finds new ways to help the public interact meaningfully with technology. OIT uses technology to help City employees do their work better and helps residents get what they need from municipal government.

Job Description

The Director of Digital Strategies leads the development and execution of strategies that increase public awareness, strengthen the department’s visibility, and highlight the impact of its programs and services. This role manages the department’s public image, guides external messaging, and fosters meaningful engagement with Philadelphia residents through both digital and traditional platforms.

Serving as a key connector between the department and the public, this role oversees branding, media relations, content planning, and targeted outreach efforts that build trust, clarity, and participation. The ideal candidate brings strategic thinking, creativity, and a strong understanding of civic engagement and audience-centered storytelling

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Marketing & Public Messaging

• Design and execute high-impact marketing strategies to elevate awareness of departmental priorities and services.
• Lead campaigns across web, print, video, and in-person channels to reach diverse audiences.
• Ensure that all public-facing messages reflect the department’s values, goals, and tone.

Brand Oversight & Storytelling

• Manage the department’s visual identity, narrative tone, and creative assets to ensure alignment across all outreach materials.
• Create messaging frameworks and content strategies that spotlight impact, accessibility, and inclusion.
• Support storytelling initiatives that humanize services and celebrate community outcomes.

Media & Press Relations

• Draft and distribute press materials, including releases, statements, and talking points.
• Build and maintain relationships with media outlets; coordinate interviews and press events.
• Support leadership in preparing for public remarks, interviews, and featured appearances.

Digital Engagement & Content Strategy

• Direct the department’s presence on social media platforms and ensure content is timely, clear, and engaging.
• Guide the development of digital content such as graphics, videos, and posts that support campaigns and announcements.
• Use analytics and feedback to refine outreach approaches and increase audience impact.

Visibility & Public Presence

• Identify opportunities for strategic exposure through events, community partnerships, sponsorships, and collaborative initiatives.
• Lead promotional efforts around public events, campaigns, and key milestones.
• Represent the department at community events, forums, and civic initiatives.

Internal Collaboration & Message Alignment

• Work closely with City staff and leadership to ensure consistency in public messaging across programs and partners.
• Support staff with message planning and outreach materials that align with core objectives.

Promote best practices in accessibility, plain language, and inclusive public engagement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, Digital Media, Marketing, Human-Centered Design, or a related field required.
• Additional leadership training and/or demonstrated experience leading multiple creative teams across different disciplines (e.g., design, writing, digital, video) is strongly preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• 10+ years of experience in creative services, digital design, and visual communications.
• 5+ years in a creative leadership role, including direct management of teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale web and digital design projects, ideally for public service or civic tech.
• Strong portfolio that includes branding, campaign work, and UI/UX projects.
• Familiarity with design systems, wireframing tools (e.g., Figma), and accessibility best practices.
• Knowledge of government, nonprofit, or mission-driven environments is preferred.

Additional Information

Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application.

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 for more information, go to: Human Relations Website at: http://www.phila.gov/humanrelations

The successful candidate must reside in the City of Philadelphia or establish primary residence in the City of Philadelphia within 6 months of employment.