Communication Director

POSITION

PURPOSE:

The Communications Director holds a leadership position within the Department of Customer Service and reports directly to the Director of Customer Service/City Clerk. The position serves as the City’s Chief Spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO) and is responsible for directing the dissemination of comprehensive, accurate, and timely public information and messaging on a wide variety of City issues and initiatives.

The Communications Director oversees the City’s day-to-day messaging and communications, leads emergency and crisis communications, and ensures consistency with established City brand standards. The position works collaboratively with the Mayor, City Administrator, Director of Customer Service/City Clerk, department directors, and other City leadership to coordinate communications, respond to information requests, and support effective communication regarding City operations, programs, services, and Common Council matters.

The position is responsible for developing and implementing an equity-driven, citywide communications strategy that leverages traditional media, digital and social media platforms, community engagement, and other communication channels to effectively inform and engage residents and stakeholders.

• Develop and implement high-impact, citywide communications strategies that ensure the accuracy, clarity, consistency, and accessibility of information related to City of Racine operations, programs, services, initiatives, concerns, issues, and interests.
• Lead proactive and responsive media relations efforts, fostering positive and constructive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets while coordinating messaging with the Director of Customer Service/City Clerk and appropriate City leadership.
• Plan, coordinate, and lead media events, press conferences, public announcements, and other communications initiatives in collaboration with the Mayor, City Administrator, Director of Customer Service/City Clerk, City departments, and divisions to effectively showcase City initiatives, programs, services, and accomplishments.
• Establish and maintain a robust network of local, regional, and national media contacts and proactively leverage these relationships to promote accurate and positive coverage of City operations, programs, services, and initiatives.
• Develop key messages, talking points, and communication strategies for high-profile, sensitive, or rapidly developing issues, including natural disasters, public safety emergencies, crisis situations, and other matters requiring coordinated City communications.
• Serve as a communications resource to the Mayor, City Administrator, department directors, and other City leadership while maintaining appropriate coordination and reporting through the Director of Customer Service/City Clerk.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Customer Service/City Clerk and as necessary to support the communications needs and priorities of the City of Racine.
• Work has no significant exposure to adverse environmental conditions and is generally performed in a moderately noisy office environment (e.g., business office or light traffic).

• Present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a relatable and easy-to-understand fashion
• Write clear, concise, effective, professional, and grammatically and factually accurate content
• Make sound decisions and communicate effectively with the members of the press and public with little advance notice
• Work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences while exhibiting patience, empathy, and professionalism
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships, work in an open and approachable manner with elected and appointed officials, media, members of the public, and city staff at all levels
• Manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, often under tight deadlines and in a changing, complex environment; demonstrate strong organizational and management skills
• Research, analyze, and present background information on a wide variety of…