Director of Communications and Marketing

Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director of Communications and Marketing will be responsible for developing and overseeing FLP's communications and marketing strategy. This role plays a significant role in FLP's internal and external communications, messaging, branding, social media, and marketing of services to employees, clients, the public, agency providers, other City departments, City Council, and other partners. Other key duties will include public relations, media relations, copywriting, campaign coordination, and managing patron data collection (surveys, analytics, and other feedback methods). This position reports to the First Deputy Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia and will work in collaboration with the Chief of Communications & Strategies in the Office of Children of Families, Communications Director in the Mayor's Office and the Communications Lead in the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.

Essential Functions:

Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of FLP's communication/marketing strategy and work closely in alignment with our Engagement teams to lead and facilitate marketing and advertisement efforts.

Secure positive and accurate press coverage of programs and initiatives.

Manage communication efforts and streamline the flow of information between the Office of Children and Families, Mayor's Office, Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation, and other City agencies, provider agencies, community-based organizations, and residents.

Streamline the flow of communication across all levels of the FLP organizational structure.

Establish contacts with community groups to encourage community participation and develop programs and strategies to enhance the public's perception of departmental services.

Help create community awareness of library services through FLP's Central and Neighborhood Libraries, media/marketing platforms, earned media, and paid campaigns.

Oversee branding, design, and printing of informational materials.

Work with the FLP and FLP Foundation's leadership and program teams to identify emerging issues and plan communication strategies and messaging around those issues.

Manage media relations, including responding to reporters, crafting statements, and drafting press releases, media alerts and op-eds.

Manage allocated budget for communications and marketing. Work collaboratively to support projects across the FLP portfolio.

Develop talking points for key staff.

Plan, implement and publicize departmental events and functions.

Support the selection and management of external communications contracts with vendors, as needed.

Collaboratively oversee the work with the FLP's graphic design and website content team to update the website and collateral.

Supervise and lead communications staff.

Oversee FLP's patron recruitment and retention efforts.

Perform related work as required.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Capable of responding effectively to the concerns and meeting the expectations of internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce results.

Some experience with collecting and analyzing marketing data.

Strong organizational skills, including ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines.

Ability to supervise a diverse, creative, fast-paced, and multi-talented staff.

Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment with general policy guidelines.

Ability to work well with different team members and manage lateral reporting relationships.

Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively and succinctly.

Ability to anticipate public reaction and think strategically.

Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns.

Must be able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis.

Strong media relationships desired.

Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired.

Strong working knowledge of WordPress and social media platforms.

Ability to work independently to achieve goals.

Ability to problem solve and think creatively to produce solutions.

Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies and/or crisis.

Record of accomplishment in establishing and sustaining collaborative and effective working relationships with direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.

Ability to effectively communicate - verbally and in writing - with various stakeholders including your direct supervisor, peers, staff, consultants, service providers, and vendors.