Director of Communications - Public Information

College Park, City of•College Park, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

A successful candidate will play an active role in the City of College Park’s existing operational success. The purpose of the position is to provide timely, accurate, and complete information about the operations and programs of the City. Essential Functions Independent judgment is required to identify, select and apply the most appropriate of available guidelines and procedures as well as interpret precedents. The Director of Communications is responsible for serving as a key advisor to the City in regards to the planning, development, implementation, and control of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations. This member of the team will manage marketing efforts at the strategic and tactical levels and coordinate with other team members to tie all marketing activity back to organizational goals. The successful candidate will be one who thrives in a collaborative, dynamic, and at times ambiguous environment that keeps the big picture in focus and can help the organization grow. Must be able to work methods that include analytics from a variety of web and social media applications. Responsible for design, execution, project management, and engagement, the Director of Communications/ Marketing will be a key translator, navigator, and ambassador for the organization and its mission.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree required in the areas of marketing, business administration, management, advertising, journalism, public relations, and/or communications or related field.
At least three to five years of professional experience, including managing communications, marketing, social media, and public relations activities.
Demonstrated skills, knowledge, and experience in the successful development and execution of marketing campaigns, communications, and public relations activities
Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational, and personal skills, with the experience of managing multiple projects at a time
Experience overseeing the design and production of online and print collateral and publications
Experience developing and implementing successful social media marketing strategies
Proven track record in developing a broad spectrum of proactive media relations campaigns and demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to diverse audiences
Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and Adobe Design Suite or equivalent
Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams
Excellent people skills, with experience collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse, and dynamic team

Responsibilities

Leads the development of a Marketing & Communications plan, makes strategic updates and recommendations when it would benefit the organization, and ensures adherence to the goals and brand outlined therein.
Responsible for the achievement of the goals and objectives of the Marketing & Communications Plan.
Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to the goals and objectives and report progress to the City Manager.
Ensure that the appropriate systems and procedures are in place to properly and reasonably support marketing and communications.
Works closely with other staff to design and implement communications strategies and effective messaging for organizational and project-specific goals.
Works with the City Manager to develop annual budgets for marketing & communications, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance.
Assists the organization in ensuring our communications are culturally competent and reach diverse audiences.
Manages some organizational partnerships that support organizational marketing i.e., DMO, GICC, Aerotropolis.
Develops and implements strategic Communications Plan and related policies that will include external public relations and media coverage and internal messaging and strategic communication.
Develops and recommends new communications methods and enhancements to better achieve City goals, including fostering the organization's core values and marketing City services to citizens, community groups, and other external organizations.
Provides leadership for cross-departmental communications projects and programs.
Leads external communication efforts, including ensuring consistency in presenting City information to the public in a timely and effective manner.
Provides leadership and management on media relations; anticipates media responses and prepares spokespersons accordingly.
Establishes effective relationships with other departments as well as with community associations, the business community, civic organizations, regional partners, the media, and various interested groups and individuals.
Responds to media inquiries.
Writes and distributes news releases.
Produces monthly newsletter.
Plans, leads, organizes, and controls print, web, and TV media to enhance the City's image and communicates City issues, actions, and services.
Manages the City’s cable television station and contractors.
Manages franchise agreements and inter-local agreements for the City’s cable channel.
Performs other duties as required.
Develop, implement, and evaluate an annual marketing and communications plan that includes social media, print, and digital content, and email marketing.
Ensure that brand identity, messaging and marketing and communications strategy are infused in all organizational efforts (programming, development, network support).
Develop, implement, and evaluate marketing campaigns related to programs.
Oversee the development, design, distribution, and maintenance of high-quality print and electronic collateral including, but not limited to annual reports, brochures, presentations, newsletters, and reports.
Lead the strategy and generation of engaging digital content The City of College Park’s website, social media, and email channels that lead to measurable action.
Ability to plan publication programs, with regards to television, radio, print, and digital partners.
Identify trends, monitor current events and influencers to anticipate opportunities for the city to engage in and/or lead the national conversation on equitable and sustainable area economic development.
Guide the strategy on press outreach, including messaging in press releases, creation of press kits and materials, interview preparation, and responses to media requests.
Develop and maintain close partnerships with members of the media.
Knowledge of principles and techniques of journalistic writing and reporting.
Knowledge of organization, administration, budget, and personnel administration principles.
Knowledge of planning and preparing media releases and news conferences.
Knowledge of computer systems and software utilized in a business environment.
Ability to plan and coordinate effective marketing, information management, and public relations programs.
Ability to coordinate and manage several projects simultaneously using effective time management and problem-solving techniques.
Must be able to present information clearly and in an interesting manner to elected officials and the general public.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, and the public.
Must be able to analyze and evaluate procedures and work processes and to exercise appropriate judgment in establishing priorities and work methods.
Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships and to deal effectively and courteously with others, to work independently and in team settings.
Must be able to type or to use a personal computer with word processing and related software and to enter and retrieve information with reasonable speed and accuracy.