Communications Officer

City of Sioux Falls•City of Sioux Falls, SD

About The Position

The Communications Officer leads the development and execution of the City’s internal and external communications strategy to promote transparency, strengthen public trust, enhance community engagement, and support organizational priorities. The role oversees strategic communications, emergency and crisis communications, media relations, digital communications, community engagement, branding, creative services, and public information initiatives. The position works closely with City leaders and departments to set communication priorities, plan and deliver communications for City projects and initiatives, oversee communication channels, and develop the City’s community engagement strategy. It also leads communications during multi-agency emergencies and serves as the City’s designated Public Information Officer when the Emergency Operations Center is activated. The Communications Officer supervises employees and supports the Communications team’s policies, procedures, workflows, customer service standards, strategic planning, and professional development. The role partners with the Information Technology division to identify and implement communication and engagement technologies.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communication, business, or public administration, plus at least five years of responsible management and leadership experience in employee engagement, communications, or government affairs; or an education, experience, and training combination acceptable to the hiring authority.
Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
Ability and prior experience leading teams across multiple projects, providing guidance, supporting professional development, and inspiring strong performance.
Ability to act effectively on personnel-related matters and implement personnel policies.
Ability to maintain work quality and the confidentiality and integrity of the Communications team.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and work effectively with the public, public officials, community leaders, organizations, and City employees, integrating their concerns and needs.
Ability to analyze administrative problems and make sound policy and procedural recommendations in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public management and administration.
Ability to apply critical thinking and judgment to analyze data, policies, practices, and operational issues.
Ability to work independently, think strategically, multitask, and adapt to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines using strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work effectively with City leadership, elected officials, and City employees; proactively resolve conflicts; and develop and maintain strong relationships.
Knowledge of research and analysis techniques, procedures, and related reporting methods.

Responsibilities

Oversee organizational branding, public information campaigns, digital communications strategy, media relations, and creative services to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.
Work with City leaders to determine organizational communication priorities and objectives.
Lead communication plans for major City projects, initiatives, programs, policy changes, and special events.
Manage communications campaigns that support organizational objectives and communicate with residents and employees.
Support the development of shared internal policies and procedures for the Communications team, and ensure they are accessible, current, and regularly reviewed.
Lead development of customer service standards for the Communications team.
Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of shared workflows, evaluating and implementing technology as needed.
Manage the Communications team’s learning and development budget, coordinate training, develop onboarding resources, and plan workshops.
Support Communications strategic planning, including communication and reporting to the broader team.
Lead communications during multi-agency emergency responses and serve as the City’s designated Public Information Officer when the Emergency Operations Center is activated.
Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to provide timely and accurate information during crises and public emergencies.
Develop and maintain crisis communication protocols and readiness plans, including support for preparedness exercises.
Oversee communication channels, including websites, social media, CityLink, and the One Team Portal.
Develop and lead the City’s community engagement strategy in partnership with other City departments.
Lead the creation and management of community-engagement platforms.
Partner with the Information Technology division to identify and implement communication technologies, digital engagement tools, and emerging solutions.
Supervise employees and make recommendations regarding hiring, discharge, layoffs, suspensions, disciplinary actions, and grievance adjustments; participate in performance evaluations for employees under the role’s jurisdiction.
Perform other duties and functions as assigned or necessary or incidental to the position.