Assistant Director of Communications & Public Engagement

City of Lynchburg•Lynchburg, VA

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Communications and Public Engagement, the Assistant Director is responsible for developing and maintaining a strategic, multi-faceted communications program designed to build and strengthen the City's mission, goals, and reputation while helping to foster productive, beneficial relationships between the City, City employees, the media, and the community. With expertise in external and internal communications, the Assistant Director performs professional management and supervisory work in serving as principal assistant to the Director of Communications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. A.) from four-year college or university, with major work in communications, public relations, marketing, government administration, nonprofit management or closely related field.
Experience in managing multi-channel communications for corporate, nonprofit or municipal organizations.
Experience in interacting with senior level executives.
Well-developed writing and public speaking skills.
Judgment, tact and discretion in maintaining effective relationships with public and various agencies.
Ability to familiarize oneself with laws, ordinances, regulations, and policies of various government agencies as they affect residents, elected officials and community stakeholders.
Strong knowledge of marketing, brand, and design principles, as well as digital development technologies and trends.
Experience leading and managing creative teams in a fast-paced environment.
Excellent concept and strategy development skills, with the ability to translate ideas into compelling visual designs and campaigns.
Ability to schedule, coordinate and manage various projects of varying degrees of difficulty, size and complexity.
Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format.
Excellent public speaking skills.
Ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
Ability to be a team player with effective interpersonal skills.
Ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
Possession of driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
Relevant background checks must be satisfactorily completed.
Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Any acceptable combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the more specific criteria listed above.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with Director of Communications and Public Engagement regularly regarding departmental operations and internal/external communications needs and strategy.
Implement team structures and team approaches to getting work completed.
Delegate work and the related authority, responsibility, and resources for assignments and projects thoughtfully and follow up to provide support.
Lead, inspire, provide direction and assess a team of creative professionals, including communications, graphic design and multimedia specialists.
Provide guidance and direction to ensure the highest quality of creative output and adherence to project timelines and objectives.
Assist Director to plan and coordinate events, press conferences and public engagements.
Build and maintain productive relationships with media, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Perform duties for the Director in their absence.
Develop, manage and execute a comprehensive plan for internal, external and cross-departmental communications across all platforms.
Conceptualize and develop creative campaigns that effectively communicate the City’s brand message and resonate with target audiences.
Oversee the design and production of marketing materials, including print collateral, websites, email campaigns, advertising, and multimedia content.
Ensure consistency in design and messaging across all marketing channels and platforms.
Serve as the primary communication lead for assigned departments, understanding their goals and priorities.
Stay abreast of industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to inform creative direction and innovation.
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjust plans as needed.
Train and serve as one of the department’s representatives to provide timely and accurate information to the public during emergencies or critical events.
Interviewing, hiring, and training employees.
Planning, assigning, and directing work.
Appraising performance.
Rewarding and disciplining employees.
Addressing complaints and resolving problems.