Senior Advisor Communications

City of Chattanooga • Chattanooga, TN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Advisor for Communications serves as the chief architect of the Mayor’s public narrative, media strategy, and community engagement vision. Operating at the highest level of municipal government, this role bridges the gap between policy implementation and public perception. The Senior Advisor directs all internal and external communications, ensures messaging alignment across all city departments, and serves as a trusted messenger of the Mayor during routine operations and high-stakes crises. This position functions as a strategic pivot point, utilizing analytical insights and multimedia narrative techniques alongside assertive press engagement to foster community confidence and clearly articulate the administration’s primary policy objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, Political Science, Marketing, or a related field
• Experience at the Executive policy level
• Progressively responsible management experience in strategic communications, media relations, public affairs, crisis management, or high-level journalism
• Experience at the supervisory level
• Any combination of equivalent experience and education.
• Valid Driver’s License

Nice To Haves

• Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, or Public Policy
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar professional communication certification

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term communications plan that clearly articulates to diverse and bilingual audiences the Mayor’s vision, policy wins, and community initiatives.
• Direct the creation of high-profile speeches, op-eds, talking points, and briefings for the Mayor and senior executive staff.
• Provide executive oversight to Public Information Officers (PIOs) across all city departments (e.g., Police, Fire, Public Works) to ensure message consistency and unity of voice.
• Working with the Press Secretary, oversee all press conferences, media availabilities, and editorial board meetings; cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Support the Press Secretary in serving as the primary, high-level spokesperson for the Mayor's administration, managing complex inquiries and pitching proactive stories that highlight City successes.
• Utilize modern tracking tools to analyze media coverage, gauge public sentiment, and adjust communication strategies dynamically.
• Formulate and deploy immediate, transparent, and authoritative communication strategies during public safety emergencies, political crises, or natural disasters.
• Serve as the central communication link between the Mayor's office, emergency management agencies, and county/state partners during critical incidents.
• Actively monitor and correct public misinformation or rumors to maintain public safety and community stability.
• Oversee the City’s digital media ecosystem, including the Mayor's social media platforms, website, email newsletters, and video production, ensuring high-quality, accessible content.
• Sit on the Mayor’s senior leadership team, advising on the potential public and political impact of proposed policies, ordinances, and executive decisions.
• Ensure all communication strategies strictly adhere to public records laws (TCA/Open Records), ethical standards, and digital accessibility mandates (ADA compliance).
• Must meet regular attendance requirements.
• Must be able to maintain good interpersonal relationships with staff, co-workers, managers, and citizens.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation: Robust pay scales that reflect our commitment to our staff.
• Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Exceptional Wellness: Comprehensive health benefits and wellness programs designed for you and your family that deliver savings to you beyond your paycheck, featuring a centralized health clinic and pharmacy for all City employees.
• Growth: A focus on professional development and upward mobility within the organization.

What This Job Offers

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