Communications Director

JOB TITLE:

Director of Communications - Full-Time

Salary, FLSA Exempt - Non-Union

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:

Communications Department

REPORTS TO:

City Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for providing all City departments with communications, including internal and external marketing. This position also oversees City branding and messaging; manages City relationships with the news media and ensures quality and accurate dissemination of information. In addition, this position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the City's communications initiatives, and performs other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strategize, plan, coordinate and supervise the City's strategic communications, public relations, and marketing plans, and broaden awareness of City programs and events, increase visibility of key messages and programs across various audiences.
• Serve as Public Information Officer for any inquiries, and directs questions to the appropriate individuals/departments, as necessary.
• Work with other City departments, boards, and commissions to ensure that departmental informational needs are appropriate for presentation across all necessary City media platforms, within City Charter policy guidelines.
• Maintain, update, and expand current communications and marketing approaches to share information both internally and externally.
• Implement and enhance strategies to cultivate the City's identity, brand, and reputation.
• Coordinate media interest in the City and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Make recommendations for budget preparation, department purchases and outreach strategies.
• Manage the development and dissemination of print, broadcast, and digital City content, while simultaneously producing content to support City communication needs.
• Facilitate after-hours communication during public emergencies, which may include Public Safety or Public Works emergencies, weather events, or any other event that would require notification to the public as requested by the City Manager and/or his/her designee(s).
• Demonstrate flexibility in attending special events on weekends or evenings upon advance notice.
• Support management and other staff to ethically achieve goals and objectives.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the City; gather input from the department directors and staff to recognize internal and external threats and opportunities and define and execute appropriate strategies to address them.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Outstanding written and oral communications skills, including the demonstrated ability to communicate concepts clearly and simply to broad audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Ability to work independently to set priorities and meet goals.
• Strong networking skills to build and maintain relationships with residents, government officials, media representatives, business community, and City staff.
• Demonstrated understanding of principles and practices of public relations, marketing, and public communications.
• Proficiency in social media and website content production and management
• Ability to create a plan and execute it.
• Proficiency in Adobe as well as Microsoft Office 365 applications and software; ability to master modern technology.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university, in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or other closely related field.
• Extensive experience in writing, proofreading, web content management, and marketing.
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a Communications role, including brand management, marketing, and/or social media.

PREFERRED:

• Previous experience as a Communications Professional in a government setting.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
• Experience and/or training in crisis communications.
• Experience in managing a small, dynamic team and knowledge of emerging issues and regulations as it relates to government communications.
• Master's degree in public administration (MPA) from an accredited university.

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Communications Director must be available for all dates of assignment, including, but not limited to, days, evenings, weekends, holidays, and be prepared for public emergencies. Must also have a valid driver's license and ability to travel to various locations within the City.

SALARY RANGE:

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 annually, depending on qualifications.

BENEFITS:

Comprehensive package that includes healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, section 125 plan, and paid time off. (PTO)

(City employees currently do not pay for insurance premiums)

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must view and create maps, plans, and assorted computer files. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of light weight. While performing the duties of this job, the employee continually works in a business office setting but is also required to work in the field occasionally and attend meetings after standard business hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/DISCLAIMERS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of an employee so classified.

Employees must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The City of Oak Park does not discriminate in its employment, or any other programs or activities based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability, if requested.