Description
The Communications Director is a key member of our evolving team, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for the City. As our organization grows and our responsibilities expand, we seek an experienced communications professional who can immediately make an impact while shaping and implementing our plans for the future.
Requirements
FLSA Status: Exempt
General Definition of Work
Performs complex professional work developing, organizing, coordinating and maintaining collaborative, proactive and comprehensive employee and public information programs and projects including communications, marketing, community relations, crisis communications and media relations, directing City special events working through City departments and outside resources, and related work as apparent or assigned. Exercises supervision of communications specialist. Work is performed under the general direction of the Administrative Services Director.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
Develops and ensures the success of a collaborative city-wide strategic communications plan that aligns with the City’s goals and objectives ensuring consistent messaging across the organization.
Acts as the City’s official spokesperson, coordinates media relations for the organization. Coordinates and prepares City staff responses for press inquiries, briefings and interviews; serves as media spokesperson as required.
Develops and manages the City’s communications suite – including website, social media, video, and other interactive or publication assets and graphic design.
Supervises the City of Maryville’s brand and image; provides proactive measures and issues response to manage the brand and image effectively.
Develops and delivers this City’s messages through employee training, onboarding, public social media, public relations and advertising;
Trains employees on City policy and procedures related to posting printed and online content; approves online content on the City’s website and social media channels to ensure a positive and responsive public image.
Prepares and disseminates various types of media communications materials including press releases, talking points, position statements, etc.
Performs special projects as assigned by the Administrative Services Director; facilitates inter-departmental participation on project management, events and communications.
Develops and directs, secures funding, implements, and evaluates community outreach events (e.g. Christmas Tree Lighting); assists with employee events and activities. Assists Administrative Services Director in coordination of external special events on public properties.
Develops operating budget; monitors expenditures.
Advises and coordinates with staff in departments on strategic communications issues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Strong leadership and strategic planning skills, mastery of writing, editing, and public speaking, strong media relations and public relations skills, thorough knowledge of City policies and procedures / Council/Manager form of government; thorough knowledge of public relations and communications; knowledge of NIMS/FEMA emergency communications protocol; ability to use tact and diplomacy; ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously; strong interpersonal skills. Possession of a driver's license valid in the State of Tennessee.
Education and Experience
Seasoned communications professional with director-level responsibilities and a track record of success in communications and public relations fields, bachelor’s degree with coursework in marketing, public relations, business administration, journalism, communications, or related field. Local government experience preferred but not required.
Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 40 pounds of force, manual dexterity, speech, vision, and hearing, mobility for both office and field work in various terrains, motor vehicle operation. Requires 24/7 availability in critical/emergency events that require public information response.
