Public Information Officer (General)

Who We Are

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.

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.

The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.

Learn more here:

Equal Access to Civil Service Testing

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 [email protected]. For more information, go to:

The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at 215-686-2350 or by email at [email protected]. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.

Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.

Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.

For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at [email protected]

Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:

• work.phila.gov

General Definition

This is public information and promotional work at the advanced level. Employees in this class have overall responsibility for a departmental public relations and public information program or work in the City's central public information office which has responsibility for informational and promotional activities for the Mayor's Office and municipal departments and agencies. Work includes planning promotional programs and preparing and disseminating informational, publicity and ceremonial materials. Contact with departmental and mass communications media personnel is a significant aspect of the work. Work is performed under the direction of a technical or administrative superior.

CONTACT INFORMATION

The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is

Cornell Q. Weaver

City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources

1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675

Phone: 215-686-2387

Fax: 215-686-0861

Email: [email protected]

Click here to view: Department of Health: Employee Testimonials: You make Philadelphia Work

For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email [email protected]

Notes to Applicants and Projected Exam Information

ELIGIBLE LIST: OPEN-COMPETITIVE

Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.

Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT

Philadelphia residency is not required to submit an application, however Applicants must have established bona fide residency in the City of Philadelphia for one year prior to appointment.

Philadelphia residency is not required at the time of application. Once hired, employees have six months to move into the City of Philadelphia.

PREFERENCE FOR PHILADELPHIA RESIDENTS

Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other people receiving an identical test score.

To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form. The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.

If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.

INDEBTEDNESS NOTICE

As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.

Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW.

Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.

Preference Points

U.S. VETERAN'S PREFERENCE

Ten points for veteran's preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for Open-Competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.

LEGACY PREFERENCE

The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in Open-Competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass Open-Competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE

Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open-Competitive Examination And Who Has

• Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA are eligible for additional points

For Peace Corps, such candidates will be awarded five (5) points for the completion of a two-year term of service or three (3) points for the completion of a one-year term of service.

B. Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).

Such Candidates Will Have

• 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
• 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
• 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
• 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.

PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE

Only those competitors who have a passing grade in all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.

• Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education (CTE) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
• Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced, until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
• If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.

Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.

Training And Experience Evaluation

Applicants will be evaluated and scored based upon their training and experience credentials. Applicants will not be asked to appear to take a scheduled examination.

Scores in the Training and Experience Evaluation will be based on documentation of education and experience provided by the candidate. To receive full credit for your education and experience, you should submit all relevant documentation including college transcripts, licenses, certifications, paid out of class documentation, etc. and provide a detailed description of your education, experience, and credentials.

An Eligible List will be established the week of 04/20/2026. Please note that this date may change.

Test Review

In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.

Level of Education Required

High School/GED

Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.

• EDUCATION: Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in journalism, communications, marketing, media studies, public relations, or a related area.

AND

• GENERAL EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience in English, communications, creative marketing, digital media, or public relations that has included planning and facilitating special events

AND

• SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience at the full performance level in communications, creative marketing, digital media, or public relations that has included planning and facilitating special events for a governmental agency, non-profit agency, or a private organization.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included the specific experience .

NOTE: Completion of a relevant industry certification or additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

City of Philadelphia Classes that Typically Meet the Minimum Specific Experience Requirement:

Public Relations Specialist 2 (2J03)

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES: Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Common­wealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment for positions in the Water Department only.

Transcript, Licenses, Registrations, And Certification Requirements

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their official college or university transcript(s) indicating completion of the educational requirement and all required licenses, registrations, or certifications at the time of application. Transcripts MUST indicate the conference of the appropriate degree. Candidates with a degree from foreign colleges or universities must submit proof of their degree as certified by a professional evaluation service.

Candidates MUST submit a copy of their license, registration, or certification. If you have ever submitted a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification for any City of Philadelphia civil service examination, you must submit another document

Option 1 - Upload a paperless transcript, license, registration, or certification – One time only! You may upload documents to your account and attach a document to this application. Once the document is uploaded to your account, it may be attached to all future applications. Attaching your document will save you time and money if you apply for an examination in the future, and you will be assured that your transcript cannot be misplaced. Your documents should be uploaded and attached to your application before it is submitted. They cannot be uploaded or added to your application electronically after your application has been submitted.

Option 2 – Submit a paper transcript, license, registration, or certification – Separate document required for each application If you submit a paper copy of a transcript, license, registration, or certification, the document will be used for this application only. You will have to submit documents again whenever you apply for an examination in the future. Paper documents will not be retained and will not be returned to applicants.

Mailing Address For Paper Transcript And Other Required Materials

City of Philadelphia

Office of Human Resources

1401 J.F. Kennedy Boulevard, Room 1530

Philadelphia, PA 19102

Attention: Cornell Q. Weaver

City Of Philadelphia Benefits Includes

• Medical
• Dental
• Prescription
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Hybrid Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Plan
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan
• Employee Assistant Program
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave
• Vacation leave
• Paid personal days
• 8 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Backup Child and Adult care
• Wellbeing platform and programs
• Retiree Health Benefits
• Qualified Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Discounts for City Employees

01

Do you have any work experience in communications, creative marketing, digital media, or public relations that has included planning and facilitating special events?

• Yes
• No

Required Question