The Communications Director is responsible for directing the City’s internal and external messages with residents, businesses, and City staff. This position is responsible for the development, management and administration of strategic outreach, media relations, and communications for audiences City-wide.
Anticipated Starting Salary: $116,667 to $135,179 per year, depending on qualifications.
Full 2026 Salary Range: $116,667 to $153,691 per year.
- Develop, oversee, and evaluate internal and external communication strategies in alignment with the City’s vision, goals, and objectives.
- Identify communication opportunities for the City and implement plans, programs and policies that achieve desired outcomes. Provide strategic communications support for all City departments and staff.
- Coordinate the development and content creation for printed materials and digital campaigns for all City Departments to achieve the City’s communication objectives.
- Oversee development and maintenance of the City’s website and intranet which may include design; programming; development of content, distribution techniques to ensure full access to information, and other related duties.
- Manage and oversee the City’s social medial platforms for all departments.
- Manage the City’s brand and oversee use of City logo. Direct graphic design projects to enhance overall communications efforts.
- Draft, review, and oversee the dissemination of press releases, official statements, and media advisories, and plan and manage press conferences and media briefings to effectively communicate City policies, initiatives, and responses to the public and news outlets.
- Serve as a member of the City’s Leadership Team by attending weekly meetings to provide direction and support on City initiatives or projects.
- Serve as the public information officer for the City. During emergencies or high-profile incidents, develop and execute crisis communication plans, coordinate timely and accurate public messaging, and ensure consistent information across departments and media channels.
- Attend evening meetings of the City Council and other city meetings and events, as needed, outside of normal business hours.
- Maintains availability to City leadership for time-sensitive communications needs outside of normal business hours.
- Serve as the supervisor and department head for the Communications department.
- Develop, administer, and manage Communications related budgets. Prepare budgetary requests and make recommendations to the City Administrator.
- Administer and coordinate development of the biennial citizen survey. Facilitate smaller, issue-oriented surveys and polls, analyze results, and develop key messages to present to the public.
- Oversee the City’s public access television operations, contracts with third party vendors, and manage cable franchise agreements.
- Work with Emergency Management to develop a plan and direct public relations strategy for public information in an emergency response situation.
- Direct and advise communications training for City staff, including written and oral communication techniques, media relations, use of social media, and relevant policies.
- Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence, presentations, and information for the City Council, staff, media, residents, and other City audiences.
- Research and formulate content for internal and external audiences, including newsletter articles, website, and social media posts, press releases, video scripts, and digital messages.
- Supervise and monitor responses to questions and complaints and coordinate with appropriate City staff to ensure timely resolution of issues and concerns.
- Oversee, coordinate, and promote City special events.
- Remain current and train staff as needed on new developments, technology, trends, and tools in the field of communications; make observations and recommendations for improvement in City operations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Five to seven years’ experience in communications/public relations, preferably in the public sector, and a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work. Valid driver's license required for travel to various locations within the city.
