Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

Director of Marketing and Communications

Pittsburgh, PA (On-site)

Salary Not AvailableDirector/Executive8+ years expFull time

Posted 2 weeks ago

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Job Summary

Own coordinated external and internal communications for a public agency, aligning narrative, media relations, and community engagement with urban development goals.

Strategic Communications & Narrative Development: Own the integrated strategy, equity focus, and consistent brand voice across platforms.
Media Relations & Public Affairs: Build media relationships and act as the organization’s spokesperson to shape coverage.
Crisis Communications & Issues Management: Establish crisis protocols and guide leadership through reputational risks.

Job Description

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Narrative Development - Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with URA priorities, including equitable development, affordable housing, small business support, and infrastructure investment. Shape messaging that reflects Pittsburgh’s evolving economic landscape, honoring its industrial legacy while promoting innovation and inclusive growth. Ensure consistent brand voice and messaging across all platforms, initiatives, and departments.
Media Relations & Public Affairs - Serve as the primary media contact and organizational spokesperson or oversee spokesperson responsibilities. Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media. Oversee press releases, media advisories, op-eds, and proactive storytelling.
Organizational Promotion - Develop and execute sales and marketing plans and establish revenue targets in partnership with the Finance Department. Create marketing campaigns which generate quality leads while ensuring promotional efforts are aligned with sales targets and organizational goals. Design marketing materials and launch new advertisement strategies in alignment with organizational objectives. Analyze sales data and market trends to adjust strategies, ensuring sales targets are achieved.
Community Engagement & Public Transparency - Ensure transparent, accessible, and culturally responsive communication with Pittsburgh’s diverse neighborhood - Support outreach related to redevelopment projects, including public meetings and stakeholder engagement. Address community concerns such as displacement, affordability, and equitable development
Digital Strategy & Content Development - Oversee the website, social media, email communications, and multimedia content. Highlight project milestones, funding opportunities, and community impact. Use analytics to improve engagement and reach.
Crisis Communications & Issues Management - Develop and maintain crisis communications protocols. Provide real-time guidance to leadership during emerging issues. Identify reputational risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Leadership & Team Management - Lead the coordination, logistics, and document packaging of the monthly URA Board Meetings in collaboration with the Government Affairs and Legal departments. Lead and mentor Communications staff. Manage the departmental budget, consultants, and vendors. Establish KPIs and evaluate Communications department effectiveness.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Journalism, or related field (Master’s preferred).
8 to 10+ years of progressive communications and marketing experience, preferably in government or economic development.
Experience with leading branding and promotional strategies on behalf of an organization.
Experience developing and tracking KPI’s and campaign results to optimize marketing spend and strategy.
Experience leading and managing marketing and/or communications teams.
Experience with redevelopment authorities or public-sector organizations is strongly preferred.
Excellent writing and storytelling skills. Strong media relations and crisis communications experience. Strong understanding of government and public political structures. Ability to engage diverse communities and navigate complex political environments. Familiarity with community and economic programs and projects.

Nice_to_have

Experience leading strategic communications and crisis communications and branding.
Experience in post-industrial or legacy cities.
Knowledge of Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods and economic landscape.

Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh

The URA is the City of Pittsburgh’s economic development enterprise. We are committed to building a prosperous and equitable economy for all of Pittsburgh. We help bridge public and private interests to invest in meaningful equitable developments that promote housing affordability, economic mobility, entrepreneurship and neighborhood revitalization. Our work creates and sustains quality jobs, thriving neighborhoods, healthy communities and sustainable businesses for the benefit of all Pittsburghers.

Founded in 1946

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA

110 employees (4 in marketing)

www.ura.org