OTIS Communications Manager
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.
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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 of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) is charged with driving change through our transportation and infrastructure systems. OTIS leads a portfolio of departments, including Streets Transportation and Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) to provide cost-effective quality services with a focus on the resident. To achieve key goals. OTIS collaborates with a wide variety of organizations such as DVRPC, PATCO, PennDOT, and SEPTA. OTIS staff have a passion for Philadelphia and are dedicated to making a positive impact.
More information about the functions of OTIS can be found at www.phila.gov/otis.
Job Description
The Communications Manager will lead day-to-day communications for the Managing Director’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and will be responsible for working with OTIS leadership and staff to develop and implement the communications strategy, including media relations, for the planning, policy, workforce, concession, and other work led by the OTIS staff.
This position will report to OTIS’s Director of Policy and Strategic Initiatives with dotted line reporting to the Senior Director of Communications in the Managing Directors Office and in collaboration with other Communications Managers and staff within the City.
Essential Functions
Communications Strategy and Management
Create and implement a communications strategy for OTIS, highlighting the important work and projects of OTIS and its partner agencies. The communications strategy includes but is not limited to press, social media, website content, collateral materials and direct communications to residents.
Handle day-to-day communications responsibilities for OTIS programs and projects, including Complete Streets, Infrastructure Solutions Team, Indego, Vision Zero, and other initiatives. Coordinate with OTIS staff to prepare and implement program and project communications, marketing, and events.
Represent OTIS and participate in citywide communications and interdepartmental projects. Coordinate meetings with Mayor’s Office of Communications, Managing Director’s Office, 3-1-1, and social media working groups, assisting with citywide public relations as needed.
Serve as primary City point of contact with communications teams from partners including Bicycle Transit Systems, SEPTA, DVRPC, and PennDOT. Collaborate on press conferences, press releases, blog posts, social media, and launch events.
Build strong agency and community relationships and seek opportunities to create long-lasting, reciprocal, and open partnerships. Position will support events and citywide communications which may occur during evenings or weekends.
Grant-funded project communications
Prepare and implement communications strategies for federal and state grant announcements, working with the Director of Federal Infrastructure Strategy and Transportation Grants Manager.
Plan press conferences and other communication strategies for ground breakings and ribbon cuttings for federal and state funded infrastructure projects.
Liaise with communications teams from elected officials’ offices on press conferences and launch events.
Media relations and events
Write press releases, blogs, and talking points about OTIS initiatives.
Organize and manage OTIS press conferences, events, and briefings with partner departments, agencies, and organizations. Represent OTIS at partner press conference and provide input and quotes for their press release.
Work with MDO and Mayor’s Communications offices during crisis communications situations that involved OTIS.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with reporters; respond to media requests and proactively pitch stories.
Track, review, and report on media coverage.
Digital Communications
Develop social media toolkits for community and agency stakeholders.
Manage social media strategy and implementation in coordination with OTIS initiatives.
Analyze and create reports based on social media and ad campaign metrics.
Maintain webpages on phila.gov and serve as OTIS main point of contact for City web development team.
Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Writing/Content Development
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to take complicated information and make it readable and understandable for the general public.
Media Relations
Experience writing press releases, media alerts, Q&A, talking points, and other media materials
Background in dealing with journalists and understand how the news is delivered in today’s digital, 24/7 news cycle.
Experience organizing press events, including but not limited to press conferences and media briefings.
Planning and Organization
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks across portfolio of work.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent self-direction and the ability to take ownership and see responsibilities through to completion.
Technical Expertise
Experience with WordPress, Mailchimp or other website management tools.
Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (especially Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint ) and design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.
Proficient in social media management and managing platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Experience creating digital graphics and supervising the design of print materials.
Stakeholder Engagement / Relationship Building and Management
Ability to conduct outreach to diverse community groups and deliver public-facing presentations.
Ability to establish and foster relationships with cross-sector partners and to work as part of a collaborative team.
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor's degree preferably in Communications, Journalism or a related field.
Five or more years of experience in the field of communications.
Desirable:
Experience and interest of transportation, infrastructure, and government.
Bilingual proficiency is a plus.
We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate about this role and meet some of the key criteria, we encourage you to apply and describe in your cover letter how your experiences equip you to excel in this position.
Additional Information
TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
Salary Range: $75,000 - $85,000
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 8 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
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
Parental Benefits
Work Flexibility
Office Life and Perks
Vacation and Time Off
Financial and Retirement
Professional Development
Diversity and Inclusion