COVID-19 Communications Assistant

Job Description

The Communications Assistant reports to the Public Information Program Manager for the Office of Emergency Management and is responsible for supporting the department and administrative operations of OEM. The Communications Assistant also supports the Office’s goal of managing internal and external communications activities for the department. The Communications Assistant must be detail-oriented, work well independently, work well with team members from diverse backgrounds, and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Draft and send media advisories, press releases, and other announcements
• Social media content creation, including photos, video, and Livestream
• Writing content for mass communications platforms for the public
• Video and other content production
• Researching and creating topical and timely digital content such as blogs
• Draft talking points for department employees for events or press conferences
• Identify press clips for awareness or that should be promoted on social media and draft social media posts
• Assist with coordinating logistics for press events
• Work with City departments to coordinate messaging during events or emergency responses.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• One to three years of experience in communications, journalism, public affairs, crisis communications
• A Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Knowledge of still photography, video, and editing

Licenses, Registrations, and Certification

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania within six months of hire
• Candidate will have access to secure public safety information. All selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement in this position.

Other requirements

• OEM personnel are essential, working during states of emergency or other city closures.
• All OEM personnel are “emergency managers first.” During times of disaster, work assignments and schedules may be altered to meet the incident objectives.
• Ability to physically perform the duties during and outside of normal business hours, to include driving and working outside.
• Nature of work inherently has risks, certain functions will require the use of various personal protective equipment (PPE) in hazardous situations.

• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to handle simultaneous priority projects and meet established deadlines
• Experience crafting messaging and communications campaigns
• Must be able to work extended hours on an as-needed basis
• Familiarity with, and understanding of, City of Philadelphia municipal operations and departments desired
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment within general policy guidelines
• Ability to work well with different team members and manage lateral reporting relationships
• Ability to effectively and succinctly communicate complex concepts
• Strong written, oral, and visual communication skills
• Ability to anticipate public reaction
• Knowledge of video production platforms like iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere is desired
• Ability to produce production quality Livestream press conferences is desired
• Understanding of social media and content marketing using publication platforms like Hootesuite and design sites like Canva preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access, Outlook) and ability to operate other web-based platforms for situational awareness, information management, and mass notification

Additional Information

This position is grant funded through 12/31/2020and may extend beyond depending upon ongoing grant support.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing samplewith your application (showing your ability to write a policy or report-style document

• We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer
• Employees are eligible for a 25% tuition discount program(and sometimes spouses and dependents as well) in partnership with area colleges and universities
• 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

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

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