Chief Communications Officer

The position is responsible for fostering civic engagement and awareness of City activities, programs, and services by developing and implementing key communications, handling media relations, and crisis communications, including serving as a designated spokesperson. Duties of the Chief Communications Officer include all facets of internal and external marketing and communications for the City through accurate, timely, and consistent messaging across written, audio, video, social media, website, and other methods of communication.

The role advances transparency and resident partnership by shaping how the City communicates, listens, and shares information. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager.

• Develops and administers an effective current and long-range public affairs and communication program for the City; leverages leadership and resources to effectively communicate, plan, and implement strategic objectives.
• Maintains a comprehensive understanding of principles, procedures, and practices used in mass communication, public relations, and video production programs.
• Understands and follows oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions; develops and maintains a thorough understanding of City and departmental programs, policies, and functions.
• Makes sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures; prioritizes citywide objectives; responds to inquiries; and maintains professional demeanor while working under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Develops communication strategies and initiatives for various City campaigns and activities, both internally and externally; ensures success of a collaborative City-wide strategic communications plan that aligns with the City’s goals and objectives, providing consistent messaging across the organization.
• Coordinates media relations for the organization; prepares City staff responses for press inquiries, briefings, and interviews; and serves as media spokesperson on City operations, as required.
• Assists with City- or Department-specific events, including coverage of City Commission meetings, as needed; assumes responsibility for policy briefs; prepares and monitors media for pre-event articles and post-event recaps.
• In coordination with the Police Public Information Officer (PIO), manages the communication annex of the City’s Emergency Management Plan, including camera spots, press releases, radio interviews, etc.; represents the City during activations of the Emergency Operations Center and provides messaging and media support.
• Researches, prepares, and presents accurate reports containing information, findings, or recommendations which enhance the City s image and public awareness of City operations and activities; prepares and disseminates various types of communications materials, including press releases, talking points, position statements, etc.
• Develops and proactively and effectively manages the City’s communications suite, including website, social media, video, and other publication assets and graphic design; supervises the City’s brand and image.
• Acts as partner to City’s Department Directors, advising and coordinating on strategic communication issues; trains employees on City policy and procedures related to oral, printed, and online content; approves online content on the City’s website; and assists with social media channels to ensure a positive public image.
• Has frequent contact with other City departments; employees; citizens; or local, state, and federal agencies; presents a positive public image, maintains effective working relationships, and acts as a catalyst for creating and managing change.
• Must be able to accommodate flexible schedule, covering potential evening meetings, community events, crisis communication, etc.
• Demonstrates integrity, innovation, and respect in performing assigned tasks; completes other duties as needed.

• Knowledge of the functions of public sector and/or local municipal government organizations to include the relationships between departments, divisions, local, state, and federal agencies.
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