Job Description

The Assistant Deputy Commissioner for Education, Community Engagement, and Government Affairs reports directly to the Deputy Commissioner of Communications and Engagement within PWD’s Public Affairs division. The Assistant Deputy Commissioner is responsible for providing strategic direction and management of three Public Affairs units: Education; Community Engagement; and Government Affairs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

EDUCATION

The Education unit within PWD Public Affairs is responsible for carrying out public education programs, targeting various audiences including school children, neighborhood groups, and individual water customers. Programs range from tours of PWD facilities to participation in community events. The Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, housed in the historic Fairmount Water Works next to the Fairmount Dam on the Schuylkill River, serves as PWD’s environmental education center to teach people of all ages how to be better stewards of our shared water resources, and collaborates with partners to install an appreciation for the connections between daily life and the natural environment. The Interpretive Center works closely with the School District of Philadelphia and has developed the “Understanding the Urban Watershed” curriculum for grades 6-8, which is used in schools throughout Philadelphia.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

The Community Engagement unit builds public support for PWD’s infrastructure investments and keeps nearby neighbors and community organizations informed about long-term, high-impact capital improvements and water/sewer emergency projects. The team works in coordination with partner municipal and private agencies on strategic engagement and communications through multiple means including:

• Community meetings
• Virtual meetings
• Special events
• Partnership building with local organizations
• Capacity building of local leaders
• Fact sheets; briefing papers; website project pages
• Direct mail
• Social media
• Signage
• Public art and performance

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

The Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships unit plans and executes a comprehensive, proactive government affairs strategy that advances PWD’s mission, interest, and goals with local, regional, state, and federal elected officials. With support from staff, the Assistant Deputy Commissioner will act as PWD’s principal liaison to elected officials at all levels.

Notable tasks of the Government Affairs and Strategic Partnerships unit include:

• Legislation Tracking – manage a standardized process for tracking legislation from Philadelphia City Council, as well as State and Federal legislation relevant to PWD, sharing information with PWD units, and assembling and sharing feedback in a timely manner.
• Legislation Development – work with PWD units to develop legislation to meet PWD’s operational needs, including operating budget approval, bond authorization, transfer ordinances, and sewer construction approvals.
• City Council Engagement – create an engagement plan consisting of in-person meetings, topical briefing documents, and regular communications.
• Constituent Issues – work with PWD units to address constituent issues raised by the Mayor’s Office, City Councilmembers, and Council staffers.
• Strategic Partnerships – leverage PWD’s role as a collaborator in regional initiatives and programs to support regulatory compliance and regional clean water goals.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• Demonstration of at least five years of experience in performing similar tasks as outlined above. Experience in a mission-driven water utility, environmental advocacy, and/or educational organization is desirable.
• Experience and leadership in managing education, community engagement, and/or advocacy/governmental relations teams to advance an organization’s mission and goals.
• Prior work experience with diverse stakeholder groups and government agencies.

COMPETENCIES, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Exceptional and persuasive communicator; written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation.
• Leadership skills; experience in building, mentoring, and coaching a team of professionals.
• Employ sound judgment and diplomacy when communicating with the public and elected officials on sensitive and critical Water Department issues.
• Establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with the media, government stakeholders and civic organizations, educational institutions and other City departments.
• Outstanding judgement and creative problem-solving skills, including negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Self-direction, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to develop short-term and long-term program goals and manage large projects from planning through implementation.

Additional Information

Please submit a cover letter and resume with your application. Applications without all documents will not be considered.

DID YOU KNOW?

• 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

SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST BE A CITY OF PHILADELPHIA RESIDENT WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF HIRE

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

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