The Communications Director is responsible for effectively and accurately communicating information about the City, marketing the community, promoting transparency, and inviting the public to engage in the governing process. This position serves as the appointed spokesperson for the City, developing and coordinating a strategic communications plan for the City, and working with the Communications Division to develop and implement all external communications. This position also supports individual departments in their communications efforts. The individual must treat citizens and co-workers with the highest level of respect and customer service, ensure the safety of employees, work as a member of the City Management team, and recognize that the public interest is the City's main concern. The hiring range for this exempt full-time position begins at $95,000 annually (DOQ).

Position Responsibilities

Supervision. Serves as the head of the Communications Division within the City Manager’s Office.

Strategic Communications Efforts. Develops, coordinates, implements, and supports the City's marketing and communications plan. This includes an overall media and community relations strategy to enhance the City's image, and educational campaigns for major community initiatives and programs. Develops strategies to proactively meet the community's expectations regarding access and understanding.

Reporting. Prepares the City's monthly communication report identifying metrics from communication platforms and other data tracking systems. Assists in developing and managing performance metrics and relevant policies and procedures as part of the City’s Management Team.

Media Relations. Serves as the primary media contact for city wide issues and inquiries. Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with the media and responds to inquiries in a timely manner. Proactively pitches stories to the media related to upcoming city meetings, events, special coverage, and other community highlights. Trains and supports other spokespeople, including elected officials, senior City staff, and individuals from the Communications Division. Monitors news coverage and trends; provides rapid assessment of issues that may affect the City and/or public. Prepares concise and accurate news/press releases and responses to media inquiries.

Social Media and City Web Site. Manages and supervises the Communications Division on social media channels and the City's website. Responsible for the maintenance and oversight of the City's social media archives

Brand Management. Manages and oversees the City’s brand, including but not limited to the implementation of the Brand Standards Guide and Graphic Standards Manual.

Public Education and Engagement. Proactively engages in community activities, speaking at events and to organizations, coordinating programs or providing information about City services for a variety of audiences including citizens, businesses, elected officials, department directors, volunteers, boards, and media. Works with lead staff members on projects, programs, and services to develop appropriate message theme and create communications plan. Implements creative means of obtaining input from citizens on issues important to the City.

Budgeting. Prepares and manages the City Communications Division budget.

Special Events. Supports, plans, coordinates, and promotes special events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and dedications.

Communication Products. Manages and supervises staff to create written content for the City's web page, various publications for departments including newsletters, brochures, door hangers; and for the City's social media outlets. Supports and reviews department submittals and department communications. Responsible for the oversight and production of the Cityline newsletter.

Public Speaking and Meeting Facilitation. Effectively presents materials and information in both formal and informal settings to various groups. Facilitates meetings encouraging involvement, collaboration and direction. Prepares comments, speeches and presentations for elected officials and other staff for a variety of speaking engagements, including the annual State of the City address.

Emergency Communications. Manages internal use of Notify JoCo. Coordinates bi-annual COS Warn tests. Supports the City's Emergency Operations Manager during natural disaster emergencies; serves as spokesperson when needed; works with emergency management personnel and City safety officers to develop and improve employee preparedness and communication for emergency situations.

Professional Development/Networking. Actively participates in professional organizations including, but not limited to, RAPIO, KAPIO, 3CMA, and Notify JoCo.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Strategic Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• Five to seven years of progressive experience managing communications and marketing programs, including social media management, brand management, web content, newsletters/news releases, video production, and other special projects.
• Prior supervisory responsibility required.
• Proven experience using data and analytics to help achieve strategic goals and priorities. Experience with Adobe Creative Suite preferred.

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the responsibilities identified in this job posting may also be considered.

Work Schedule

This is an exempt regular-full time position. The individual in this position may be called upon outside of the scope of normal business hours to assist with communication activities related to emergency situations. This position may also be required to attend night meetings and conferences.

Disclaimer

The included statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. The City of Shawnee reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities of job descriptions to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. The job description is not a contract or guarantee of employment.

If reasonable accommodation is necessary to apply or further information is needed, please contact: Human Resources, Shawnee City Hall
11110 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, KS 66203.

EOE M/F