Communications and Engagement Director

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions effectively and efficiently. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions described herein. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not explicitly spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental to the performance of their duties, just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Communications & Engagement provides strategic leadership for the City’s communications, public information, community engagement, digital platforms, and special events. The role advances transparency and resident partnership by shaping how the City communicates, listens, and shares information. The Director serves as a strategic advisor to city leadership, leads high-impact and emergency public information efforts, and ensures accurate, timely, and consistent messaging across the organization.

The position also promotes a constructive civic tone and strengthens public trust through transparent processes, accessible information, and meaningful engagement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Provides executive leadership for citywide communications and community engagement functions.
• Advises city leadership on communication strategy, public information needs, emerging issues, and resident sentiment.
• Ensures communications and community engagement activities support the City’s priorities, values, and governance approach.
• Shapes the City’s civic tone by promoting consistent, respectful, and constructive communication across the organization and community.
• Guides cross‑departmental coordination on major initiatives, communications planning, and community engagement efforts.

• Serves as the City’s lead Public Information Officer during emergencies or significant incidents.
• Provides review and approval of major or high-impact communications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment with city priorities.
• Oversees timely dissemination of public information, including major announcements, project updates, resident notifications, and leadership communications.
• Approves speeches, talking points, scripts, statements, and presentations for city leadership.
• Maintains strong working relationships with media outlets at the local and regional levels.
• Determines the best method of communication to ensure timely and effective dissemination of all public information.

• Leads the City’s approach to resident engagement, ensuring it reflects transparency, clarity, and meaningful two‑way communication.
• Partners with departments to structure public meetings, listening sessions, community forums, and project-based engagement efforts.
• Ensures engagement materials, messaging, and feedback loops are clear, consistent, and accessible.
• Monitors resident sentiment and emerging issues through data, analytics, and community feedback.

• Oversees the City’s digital presence, including the website, social media, online dashboards, email platforms, and multimedia channels.
• Leads digital modernization efforts to improve transparency, user experience, and public understanding.
• Evaluates and implements modern tools that enhance communication, digital service delivery, and public engagement.
• Guides standards for video, live streaming, photography, and multimedia storytelling.

• Provides strategic guidance for the planning and positioning of citywide events to ensure alignment with city priorities and community engagement goals.
• Oversees the Special Events Manager and ensures coordination between special events programming and citywide communication and community engagement efforts.
• Approves event messaging, run‑of‑show materials, and leadership communications for major city events.
• Coordinates with departments to ensure cross‑functional alignment for high‑profile events and ceremonial occasions.