Communications Director

Lafayette • Lafayette, CO

8d

About The Position

The Communications Director is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of the City’s communication activities, including media relations, crisis communications, marketing and branding, social media, website and print collateral. Serves as the top public information officer (PIO) for the City. Oversees the communications needs of the City Manager’s Office and City Council, and guides communication efforts of other City departments. Supports city outreach and engagement activities and initiates, plans and coordinates various projects and programs that integrate community involvement. Establishes and upholds communications policies and protocols for public information, marketing, branding, media, and communication across the organization. Responsible for the City’s digital accessibility, language access, and bilingual communication efforts. Directs the City’s communication and marketing interests and supervises the marketing/communication staff team. Please view the full hiring brochure HERE.

Requirements

• Principles of marketing and communications and effective social media strategies.
• Advanced understanding of municipal government operations and the role of communication in support of the City Manager and Council.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and understanding of internal services support.
• Metrics and methods of data usage to improve communication methods/strategies.
• Familiarity with the Incident Command System and the role of the Public Information Officer.
• Excellent oral, written, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Current public relations, marketing, and journalistic practices and techniques.
• Mastery of concepts of grammar and punctuation, copy writing, and editing.
• Communication strategy planning and implementation.
• Microsoft Suite, desktop publishing, photography, resident response management tools and website and social media management and monitoring tools.
• Modern office methods, procedures and practices.
• Principles and practices of professional business communication methods.
• City government functions, policies, rules and regulations; federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic principles and practices of budget administration.
• Apply communications strategy and public relations principles to complex topics.
• Effectively represent the City and interact successfully with internal contacts, partner agencies, media, community, vendors/contractors, andbusiness leaders.
• Collaboration across departments with other leaders and communication professionals.
• Demonstrate strong on-camera presentation, to include interviews with television, radio, and various media outlets.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form, using language that is appropriate to the person, group, or audience.
• Develop creative ideas in relation to public information projects.
• Develop policies related to communication procedures/strategies.
• Establish effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Effectively manage and supervise individuals and a team.
• Ability to successfully lead with influence across the organization.
• Create informational graphics using desktop publishing, images and photography.
• Research and implement new communication techniques.
• Work independently using independent judgment with little direction, organize work, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Work outside regular office hours, and sometimes unpredictable hours, to meet City needs.
• Manage multiple tasks and complete projects on a deadline.
• Maintain professionalism and effectiveness while working under pressure; remain calm, deliberate, tactful, and advisory in stressful and emotional situations.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Bachelor's degree in communications or a related field from an accredited college or university, with at least five (5) years' progressively responsible experience in Public Affairs, Public Information, or Public Relations Programs, including experience working in community engagement or a related field, with at least three (3) years’ supervisory/managerial experience; Or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the City’s strategic communications
• Direct the development of written communications including press materials, talking points, newsletters, summary/briefing documents, social media content, and outreach plans.
• Develop and oversee the execution of social media strategy and policies for the City.
• Oversee graphic and video content for use on all engagement platforms including the city’s website, other technology platforms, and social media.
• Ensure digital assets are fully leveraged and properly utilized and maintained by all City departments.
• Oversee the City’s communications calendar and project work plan.
• Utilize data and relevant content to improve the reach and effectiveness of the City’s communication efforts.
• Provide strategic input to the executive leadership team and department heads on the communication and engagement aspects of high-profile projects with comprehensive communications campaigns.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with City leadership team and coordination with internal departments
• Collaborate and consult with department communication and marketing staff to inform strategy; analyze and guide the public relations and communication needs of City departments.
• Advise City leadership on effective plans and practices for internal and external communications.
• Media relations
• Serve as the main point of contact for internal and external communication requests for all City issues and inquiries.
• Serve as the lead spokesperson for the City with media and oversee response to requests for interviews and statements; develop and maintain effective relationships and contacts with the media.
• As PIO ensures effective communication and information dissemination during disasters and unexpected events.
• Foster positive relationships with local businesses, community leaders, regional partners, and other governmental partners.
• Supervise the Communications Department staff and oversee the department’s operations
• Oversee the work assignments and provide strategic, technical, and professional guidance to staff.
• Uphold the City values; cultivate and maintain a supportive culture, foster growth and development.
• Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget.
• Oversee external contract services as needed.

What This Job Offers

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