Description
Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) is Philadelphia’s public-private, non-profit economic development corporation, founded in 1958 as a partnership between the City of Philadelphia and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia. Our mission is to spur investment, support business growth, and foster development that creates jobs, revitalizes neighborhoods, and drives growth to every corner of Philadelphia. We offer flexible financing, a targeted real estate portfolio, and decades of Philadelphia-based knowledge to help our clients invest, develop and grow. PIDC works with companies of all types and sizes, across all sectors.
Over the past 65+ years, PIDC has settled over 13,500 transactions with a diverse range of clients — including nearly $21 billion of financing and 3,400+ acres of land sales — which have leveraged tens of billions of dollars in total investment and assisted in retaining and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs in Philadelphia. You can learn more about PIDC at PIDCphila.com.
In 2000, PIDC acquired the 1,200-acre former Philadelphia Naval Shipyard, with the goal of restoring economic vitality, creating quality jobs, and supporting the growth and attraction of companies. PIDC serves as lead developer and operator of the Navy Yard, successfully managing its transition into one of the City’s strongest, most vibrant economic hubs. This rapidly growing riverfront neighborhood features a mix of historic buildings and new high-performance, LEED-certified construction, oriented around world-class parks and public amenities.
Today, the Navy Yard is home to over 150 companies and 16,000 employees, across a dynamic array of industrial and commercial sectors. The 2022 Navy Yard Plan established the next phase of growth, including $6B of new investment, 8M SF of new, high-quality industrial, commercial, and residential development, and over 12,000 new jobs. This initiative is already underway, with five buildings complete and the next two projects in design and pre-development.
PIDC’s Navy Yard team is responsible for making the Navy Yard a great place to work, visit, invest and develop, and we work with a broad array of partners to guide the property’s overall management and development, including leasing, development, planning, transit, infrastructure, electric distribution, property management, marketing, and social programming. You can learn more about the Navy Yard, its history, current activity and plans for growth at NavyYard.org.
DIRECTOR, NAVY YARD MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
PIDC seeks an experienced, strategic, and detail-oriented communications professional to join its Navy Yard team as Director, Marketing and Communications. The successful candidate will lead a dynamic portfolio of communications and marketing assets, events and programming, to drive awareness of economic development initiatives and achievements at the Navy Yard, as well as promote the Navy Yard’s strategic goals and operational objectives. The role requires a balance of strategic leadership and hands-on execution.
This position reports directly to PIDC’s Executive Vice President (EVP), Navy Yard, and supports the Navy Yard team. To maximize impact and ensure consistent messaging, this position also collaborates regularly with PIDC’s Senior Vice President (SVP), Marketing, Communications & Government Affairs. The Director is expected to coordinate proactively with leadership and colleagues, anticipate leadership needs, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.
Currently, the position supervises one direct report – the Navy Yard Events and Engagement Manager, who is responsible for the Navy Yard’s portfolio of events, programming, and corporate social responsibility. The successful candidate will work with the EVP, Navy Yard, and SVP, Marketing, Communications, & Government Relations, to identify and develop additional resources over time to support a growing program of content creation, digital media, and related Navy Yard needs.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategy Development & Execution
Develop and lead a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy that elevates awareness of economic development initiatives, major investments, achievements, and strategic and operational objectives.
Translate complex initiatives and issues into clear, consistent, and compelling narratives tailored to diverse audiences, including businesses, investors, employees, residents, public officials, and the surrounding community.
Prepare and implement an annual marketing and communications plan and content calendar that aligns with organizational goals and delivers disciplined, high-impact messaging across all channels.
Advise EVP on messaging, positioning, and stakeholder communications.
Communications & Marketing
Provide timely communications and support for Navy Yard operations, projects, initiatives, and events (e.g. newsletter, press releases, talking points, notifications).
Create regular social media content, particularly high-performing formats and short-form video, to share information, promote events and programming, spotlight major developments, and advance priority messaging. This includes hands-on execution as well as oversight, depending on staffing.
Regularly review Navy Yard website and coordinate with creative team to ensure content accuracy, timeliness, and alignment with strategic priorities.
Respond promptly to inquiries, publicity opportunities, and social media messages.
Collaborate with Navy Yard partners to leverage cross-promotional opportunities.
Proactively pitch stories to build awareness and drive key messaging.
Advance the Navy Yard brand through events, partnerships, initiatives, and tours, supporting planning, coordination, and execution in collaboration with internal teams and external partners, as needed.
Reporting & Administrative
Provide strategic oversight and support for the Navy Yard’s robust events and programming portfolio, consisting of 150+ events annually.
With support from the PIDC Marketing and Communications team, track, analyze, and regularly report key performance metrics (e.g. digital analytics, media coverage) to assess effectiveness, refine strategy, and maximize impact.
Manage external vendors and consultants, as needed.
Oversee core communications infrastructure, including email distribution and targeted outreach lists, budgets, and a centralized repository of press coverage, visual assets, presentations, and related materials.
Please send a cover letter and resume to careers@pidcphila.com. The email subject line must include the position title as listed below:
Director, Navy Yard Marketing & Communications
PIDC promotes a culture of inclusion and prohibits discrimination in any employment or promotional practices on the basis of race, color, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), religion, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected factor.
Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college with major coursework in communications, marketing, or a related field.
6+ years of experience in marketing and communications in commercial real estate, economic development, or a related field.
Prior management experience of full-time employees. Experience working in fast-paced environments and advising senior leaders strongly preferred.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint), social media platforms and management software (i.e., Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Sprout Social), and basic understanding of website content management systems (i.e., Word Press) and email campaign programs (e.g., Campaign Monitor). Experience with graphic design programs (Adobe Creative Suite or similar) is a plus.
Capacity and desire to function in a fast-paced, high-profile, public-sector environment.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to effectively collaborate with diverse teams.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with media, public and private sector representatives, and the general public.
Strong written communication skills. Writing samples or portfolio required.
Passion for the City of Philadelphia and enthusiasm for PIDC’s mission to attract and retain businesses, while creating high-quality jobs for Philadelphia.
Flexibility and willingness to support a diverse array of initiatives as needs arise.
Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to function as part of a larger team.
Ability to attend events after hours and/or evenings as needed.
A valid driver’s license.
Must be a resident of the City of Philadelphia or willing to relocate within three (3) months.
