Senior Communications Coordinator

Hiring Information

Hiring range: $67,027.26 to $83,783.78

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Under the direction of the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, this position serves as the senior staff member for communications operations, leading day‑to‑day media relations, crisis communications, content development, and messaging strategy while providing recommendations to leadership to enhance communications impact, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.

The Senior Communications Coordinator provides guidance to other city staff, ensuring consistency and transparency in all communication efforts. The Senior Coordinator collaborates with City departments, public safety officials, and external partners to manage communications, earned media, and citywide notifications. This position oversees both the Digital Media Specialist and the Communications and Media Specialist in day‑to‑day operations. The ideal candidate brings a background in broadcast journalism or strategic public relations, with demonstrated ability to serve as an on‑camera and on‑record spokesperson for the City.

The Senior Communications Coordinator ensures that the City’s communications are well‑written, accurate, and responsive to community needs.

• Communication Oversight & Leadership – Ensures all aspects of City communications are executed effectively, including tracking performance metrics and evaluating communications output to inform continuous improvement.
• Team Guidance & Mentorship – Provides strategic direction and mentorship to communication team members, ensuring alignment with City initiatives and best practices for communication programs, including media relations protocols, AP Style standards, and on‑camera spokesperson preparation.
• Operational Coordination – Works across City departments to facilitate various communications, including event notifications, proactive media outreach, emergency notices, community awareness and other necessary communications.
• Public Engagement & Communication – Serves as a contact for press inquiries and public inquiries, collects community feedback for city engagement activities; serves as an on‑camera, on‑record spokesperson in press conferences, media availabilities, and public events.
• Media Relations & Earned Media – Manages proactive and reactive media relations with DFW broadcast, print, and digital outlets; pitches City‑initiated stories; drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, and statements.
• Crisis Communications – Assist with the implementation of the City’s crisis communication programs, to include implementation of crisis communications policies and plans and provide 24/7 crisis communications support and guidance for the City Manager, City Council, and all City departments, including drafting on‑record statements and managing media response during active incidents, as needed.
• Media Events & Spokesperson Preparation – Plans and executes press conferences, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and media availabilities; prepares City leadership for on‑camera and on‑record appearances; oversees photography and videography for City functions and special events.
• Digital & Social Communications – Leads content strategy and supports social media execution, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms; monitors platform analytics and reports on engagement metrics to evaluate effectiveness and guide content decisions. Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non‑disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is required. Three (3) years of experience in communications, media relations, broadcast journalism, or public relations required, with at least one of those years in a senior or…