Director of Communications

Overview

This position serves as a key advisor to the City in the planning, development, implementation and control of communications, marketing, and public relations.

• Develop and implement strategic Communications Plan and related policies that will include external public relations and media coverage and internal messaging and strategic communications
• Develop and recommend new communications methods and enhancements to achieve City goals, including fostering the organization’s core values and marketing City services to citizens, community groups, and other external organizations
• Provide leadership for cross-departmental communications projects and programs
• Lead external communication efforts, including ensuring consistency in presenting City information to the public in a timely and effective manner
• Provide leadership and management on media relations; anticipates media responses and prepares spokespersons accordingly
• Establish effective relationships with other departments as well as with community associations, the business community, civic organizations, regional partners, media, and various interested groups and individuals
• Respond to media inquiries
• Write and distribute news releases
• Produce monthly newsletter
• Plan, lead, organize and control print, web and TV media to enhance the City’s image and communicate City issues, actions, and services
• Coordinate and implement Citizens’ Leadership Academy; develop curriculum; secure speakers; coordinate participant registration and manages classes
• Prepare informational materials and other publications for the City
• Manage City Cable Television Station and contractors
• Manage Franchise Agreements and interlocal agreements for the City’s Cable channel
• Performs related duties as assigned

A Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, business administration, or a related field;
Master’s degree preferred
; a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, public relations, public information, or related field that involves copious amounts of public contact/exposure; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered

• Knowledge of principles and practices of managing and conducting information and marketing programs
• Knowledge of principles and practices of coordinating a public information program
• Knowledge of principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel administration
• Knowledge of communications theory
• Knowledge of media sources and resources
• Knowledge of planning and preparing media releases and news conferences
• Knowledge of computer systems and software utilized in a business environment
• Ability to plan and coordinate effective marketing strategies, exercise information management, and facilitate and highlight public relations programs
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted pursuant to media work
• Ability to exercise good judgement in the release of information
• Ability to write creatively, organize news materials and to determine a story slants; the preferred applicant can place emphasis upon, gather, and verify news information through interviews, observations, and research
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignment with minimal direction
• Ability to operate and utilize contemporary computer systems, navigate software, and the internet in the performance of job duties

Supervisory Controls: Duties are performed under the general supervision of the Assistant City Manager.

Guidelines: Guidelines for this position include ordinances, departmental policies, and procedures relevant to state and federal laws.

Complexity: The position consists of professional administrative, and high-performance communications related tasks.

Scope and Effect: The purpose of this position is to provide timely, accurate and complete information about operations and programs on behalf of the City.

Personal Contacts: Contacts are typically with co-workers, subordinates, members of public, media, and other city employees.

Purpose of Contacts: Contacts are typically to exchange information, resolve problems and provide services.

Physical Demands: The work is typically performed inside of an office with the employee sitting at a desk with intermittent standing or walking. The employee occasionally lifts to 20 pounds.

Work Environment: The work is performed in an office setting and may also be performed in various locations, indoors, and outdoors.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility: This position supervises the Communications Coordinator, Videographer and Graphic Designer positions.