Communications & Engagement Director

City of Clermont•Clermont, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communications & Engagement Director serves as the city’s senior communications strategist and advisor, responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive communications program that advances organizational priorities, strengthens community trust, protects the city’s reputation and enhances resident engagement. This position provides leadership and oversight for all internal and external communication activities, including strategic planning, media relations, crisis communications, brand management, executive communications, community engagement and cross-department coordination. The Director establishes communications as a strategic organizational function and ensures consistent, transparent and effective communication across all city departments and public-facing channels. This position is exempt. Fair Labor Standards Act overtime provisions will not apply. Per Florida Statute 295.065, certain servicemembers and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such servicemembers and veterans, receive preference and priority, and that certain servicemembers may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements, in employment by the state and its political subdivisions and are encouraged to apply for the positions being filled.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
Eight (8) years of progressively responsible communications experience.
Experience in local government, public sector or highly regulated organizations preferred.
Previous experience in strategic communications, media relations, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
Valid Florida Driver’s License.
In some cases, an equivalent combination of higher education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience is in a relevant and related field.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, and manages the development, implementation, delivery, and enhancement of the city’s communications strategy, including preparing operations budget, developing department-wide goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and fostering staff development and training.
Oversees communications planning across departments and aligns communication initiatives with Council priorities, organizational goals and community needs.
Establishes annual communication plans, priorities and performance measures.
Evaluates and advises executive leadership on communications opportunities and risks, and effectiveness and makes adjustments as needed.
Develops and implement the city’s media training for any staff member that participates in media (print or video) interviews.
Serves as the city’s primary media contact and spokesperson when appropriate.
Receives and responds to employee and public/news media inquiries and requests for assistance, concerns and complaints.
Builds and maintains relationships with local, regional and industry media outlets.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the news and print media to promote regular, accurate, and comprehensive coverage of city issues, events and programs.
Schedules, coordinates, and assists in preparing areas for press conferences or interviews when appropriate.
Contacts news media representatives to disseminate information and to pitch coverage by the media of specific events, programs, or topics that promote a city positive image.
Coordinates responses to sensitive or high-profile issues.
Prepares written content in a variety of media and formats, including, but not limited to, news releases, brochures, advertisements, speeches, presentations, scripts, slideshows, video, photographs, correspondence, grant content and other public-relations materials.
Develops and maintains crisis communication plans and protocols.
Oversees the coordination of emergency communications across departments and partner agencies.
Supports leadership during emergencies and community incidents.
Works with the emergency manager and public-safety departments to develop an emergency communications plan.
Reports to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during times of activation.
Serves as a public information officer during city disasters and emergencies, such as hurricanes.
Works closely with the city’s designated emergency operations representative to disseminate critical information in a timely, effective manner.
Oversees and serves as steward of the city’s brand identity.
Ensures consistency in messaging, visual identity and public-facing communications.
Oversees implementation of brand standards and communication policies.
Maintain communications governance, policies, workflows and standards
Leads and oversees internal communications coordination efforts.
Oversees the city’s website content and social media as well as other official city communications, including e-newsletters, print newsletters, and any other official print, broadcast, or online publications.
Drafts speeches as requested by city officials; proofreads printed and creative materials; coordinates and ensures compliance with city graphics standards on the city’s webpage.
Attends staff, committee and City Council meetings to stay informed of city activities and issues.
Establishes priorities, workloads and professional development plans for communications team.
Fosters a collaborative, service-oriented communications culture.
Works with graphic designers, printers, and consultants in the creation of promotional and informational materials and oversees quality-control of content developed by departments and individual employees.
Supervises communications department staff, including selecting candidates or recommending selection, establishing staffing standards, organizing training, assigning and evaluating work, coaching and counseling, disciplining up to and including termination of employment, and preparing periodic employee performance evaluations.
Ensures compliance with related laws and guidelines; and affords related training for personnel.
Oversees administrative matters such as conducting special studies, reviewing and preparing Council agenda items, and preparing routine or special reports.
Attends training, seminars, and conferences as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.
Carries cell phone and maintains phone contact as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.