Communications Director - Community Relations

City of Pasadena • Pasadena, TX

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Communications Director serves as the City's chief communications strategist and liaison between the Mayor's Office, city departments, the public, and external organizations. This role is responsible for developing and managing comprehensive communication strategies, directing all social media and public information functions, and overseeing content and programming for the City's media platforms, including the municipal television channel (TV 16), city website, and all other digital platforms. The Communications Director ensures consistent messaging, transparent public communication, and fosters public trust through proactive media relations, crisis communication, and community engagement initiatives. The position also manages key special projects and citywide initiatives as directed by the Mayor or his designee. This position also serves as the city's primary Public Information Officer, responsible for organizing press conferences and acting as the liaison between the City and media outlets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, media relations, or strategic communications.
• Trained and certified (or able to be certified) Public Information Officer, with experience in emergency and crisis communications.
• Valid driver's license and ability to maintain required certifications without interruption.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in municipal or government communication.
• Experience with social media, video production, and digital content strategy.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the City and Mayor.
• Lead and implement a citywide communications strategy, including internal and external communications.
• Manage and direct content creation and public messaging on all City platforms, including: Social media accounts, Press and news releases, TV 16 (Municipal Channel), City website, Neighborhood Network.
• Coordinate and manage crisis communication and emergency response messaging.
• Advise elected officials and senior leadership on media strategy, public perception, and message development.
• Plan and execute public information campaigns to educate and inform the public.
• Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets and external organizations.
• Develop, manage, and monitor department budget and resources.
• Oversee production of promotional materials, newsletters, and city publications.
• Represent the City at community events, meetings, and in professional associations.
• Manage special projects and serve as liaison to civic organizations, nonprofits, and public stakeholders.
• Ensure accessibility, accuracy, and consistency of public information.
• Must have and maintain, without interruption, all necessary licenses, certifications, clearances, and/or job requirements.
• Works the assigned schedule and complies with City timekeeping and attendance policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Employee-only medical insurance starts as low as $15 per month and the most expensive Employee & Family plan is less than $350 per month.
• City has its own medical clinic staffed with a M.D. and two medical assistants.
• Employees and their covered dependents over the age of 5 can visit the clinic FREE OF CHARGE.
• Employees and their covered dependents also have access to Virtual Visits with a medical professional FREE OF CHARGE.
• College tuition reimbursement of up to $3,500 per year.
• City will match retirement contribution by 200%.
• Vacation accrual based on years of service (two to six weeks per year).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior