Strategic Communications Director

Responsible for overseeing and coordinating the external and internal communications, visual design service, and cable access channel for the City of Olympia (City). Work involves directing the creation of the City’s narrative in alignment with City values and key initiatives, maintaining strong and positive media relationships, managing crisis communications when incidents arise, and assisting with setting the City’s strategic positioning on key issues.

Serves on the City’s Executive Team; provides strategic consulting/advisory support to senior City leadership and City Council; and is an executive liaison to the City’s Advisory Committees.# #
** ABOUT THE POSITION
** The Strategic Communications Director oversees a wide range of communication services that, in alignment with the City’s mission and values, help shape public understanding, strengthen trust, and create meaningful and inclusive engagement between the City and the community.  The Director will work collaboratively across City departments, help set the City’s strategic communication on key issues, and provide consultation and guidance support to senior City leadership and City Council.

This role is for a strategic communicator and storyteller, who is excited to innovate and enhance how residents experience local government and seek to advance equity and trust through inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent practices.#
** SALARY
* * The annual salary range for this position is **$132,187 to $198,281**. The starting salary will be based on a combination of experience, education, skills, and abilities.#
** TO APPLY
** This is a continuous recruitment.  To be eligible for first review, submit your application, resume and cover letter by 11:59 p.m. February 27, 2026.#
** CONTACT INFORMATION
** If you have questions about the position and/or requirements; please contact Nicole Anderson via email .us.#
** ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
**** The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to:
** 1. Oversees proactive external communications strategies and press releases that create and support a positive image of the City in all communication contexts and across multiple media platforms and audiences.
2. Oversees stakeholder and public engagement functions for alignment with and incorporation of City’s strategic positioning issues and narrative to ensure coordination between all public-facing communications.
3. Oversees the management and programming of the City’s cable access channel.
4. Looks for strategic opportunities to communicate the City’s vision and values and enhance the City’s overall brand in the community.
5. Assists with shaping the City’s identity by curating stories that provide opportunities for the community, public, media, City employees, and public officials to learn about the City’s projects, programs, services, and operations, including progress in key initiatives.
6. In coordination with the City Manager, develops and nurtures relationships with community partners, business and civic leaders, political leaders, and the media; acts as a visible presence in the Olympia community.
7. Ensures equity in external communication so all audiences have access to accurate and complete information regardless of demographic; assists with breaking down barriers between residents and the City through more effective and consistent communication.
8. Coordinates regularly with the communications manager to ensure alignment between external and internal communications about the City’s narrative regarding projects, programs, services, and operations, including progress and positioning in key initiatives.
9. Acts as the primary contact for media inquiries about City activities and respond to media inquiries on a 24/7 on-call basis; occasionally works late hours and weekends.
10. Conducts on-camera media interviews.
11. Advises the City Manager, City Council, and other department leadership and employees on matters related to effective communication, marketing, and use of social media.
12. Responds to emergency situations and manages communication needs.
13. Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement…