Director (Director of Strategic Communications)
About The Position
All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire. As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen. And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility. The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Strategic Communications to lead, develop and execute a comprehensive organization wide communications strategy. With oversight of public messaging across more than 40 municipal departments, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to city/county leadership and key figure in ensuring transparency, public trust, and effective communication with residents, media and stakeholders. This leadership role manages internal and external communications, media relations, public information officers, and digital engagement strategies to promote Unified Government initiatives, services and priorities. The Director of Strategic Communications is the City's senior executive leader responsible for developing and driving a unified, comprehensive strategy for citywide communications, community engagement, digital experience, and internal information flow. Serving a municipality of roughly 167,000 residents, Director is accountable for strengthening transparency, public trust, civic participation, and the City's brand across neighborhoods, business communities, and diverse populations. This role leads all aspects of strategic communications, media relations, digital engagement, crisis communications, and executive messaging. The Director reports to the City Manager, and collaborates with the Mayor, City Commission and Department Directors to ensure all communications and engagement efforts advance the City's strategic priorities and reflect the values for transparency, responsiveness, and inclusive civic participation.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration and seven years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public agency; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above (Masters Degree Preferred).
- Strong understanding of municipal government operations and the role of public communication in civic engagement.
- Proven success in managing crisis communication and high-profile public messaging.
- Outstanding written, verbal, interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience working with elected officials, media and community groups
- All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire.
- As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen.
- And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.
Nice To Haves
- Two years in a senior leadership role preferred.
- Masters Degree Preferred
Responsibilities
- Strategic Communications: Develop and implement a unified, proactive communication strategy for the UG across all departments and public-facing platforms
- Serve as the senior advisor on communications to the Mayor, County Administrator, department heads and UG Commission. Ensure all UG messaging is clear, consistent, and accessible to all community members and stakeholders
- Media and Public Relations: Act as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the Unified Government and work with other department Public Information Officers (PIOs) throughout the UG
- Coordinate press conferences, public briefings, and official statements
- Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets
- Internal Coordination: Coordination and lead a network of department communications staff and Public Information Officers.
- Provide guidance, training, and tools to ensure consistency in departmental messaging
- Facilitate interdepartmental communications and emergency coordination during crises.
- Crisis & Emergency Communications: Develop and implement crisis communication plans and messaging.
- Serve as a key communications lead during emergency response, coordinating with public safety and emergency management
- Digital & Community Engagement: Oversee digital communications strategy, including website content, social media, newsletters, and email alerts
- Ensure communication materials are inclusive and accessible to all communities.
- Brand & Reputation Management: Maintain and enforce brand guidelines and visual identity standards across departments
- Monitor public sentiment and media coverage; provide strategic recommendations accordingly.
- Leadership & Administration: Lead a communications team; oversee budgeting, staffing, and strategic planning for the department
- Evaluate communications effectiveness through analytics, surveys, and feedback mechanisms.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
