Director of Communications
Royal Oak, MI
Royal Oak City Hall
Date Posted: 12/20/2024
The Director of Communications is responsible for the development of a proactive and strategic communications department that oversees communications project plans, community outreach, crisis communications, general engagement, and programs vital to the success of the city. This position is required to independently manage multiple tasks and projects with competing priorities and deadlines. The Director of Communications will work in partnership with the city manager and their staff to support and manage internal and external community engagement and information programs. This position also completed high level administrative functions including supervision, budgeting and contract compliance.
The employee exercises discretion and independent judgment under the general supervision of the City Manager or their designee.
Supervision is exercised over the community engagement specialist and other dedicated communications staff assigned to City Hall departments.
Essential Job Functions
Strategic Communication and Planning
Develop, monitor, implement, and update a communications and brand management plan for the city, including two-way communications with the public, residents, business community, community organizations, City Commission, and city employees.
Create and administer the City communication plan to promote initiatives, foster engagement, and ensure a unified city message across all departments.
Develop an organization-wide Emergency Communications Plan and design, coordinate, and conduct annual tabletop crisis scenario exercises. May serve as the Public Information Officer on behalf of the city.
Create and manage a master content calendar that aligns the City’s communication activities with key events, initiatives, and milestones.
Assist with the selection and management of other two-way communication tools.
Media and Public Relations Management
Provide strategic guidance and oversight to a centralized team of media, communications, and multimedia service professionals.
Manage all media communications through print, digital, and social media sources.
Create, edit, and manage media releases and publications for the city and the city manager’s office as needed.
Establish and develop relationships with the media and serve as the city’s initial point of contact with the media.
Prepare talking points on issues for the manager, staff, and elected officials.
Monitor, recommend, and cover city activities for inclusion in media releases, the city’s website, and social media coverage.
Digital and Social Media Management
Develop and maintain the City’s social media policy to guide how departments establish, manage, and maintain their accounts.
Provide oversight to ensure social media activities align with the City’s communication goals and standards.
Assist departments in creating and implementing strategies for effective social media engagement.
Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement
Respond to citizen communications received via all forms of communication.
Provide advice and training to departments on effective communication methods, including responding to the press and preparing media releases.
Leadership, Training, and Representation
Design, coordinate, and implement media training for City Commission and Department Heads.
Conduct regular training sessions to ensure department staff are equipped to follow established communication standards.
Attend the manager’s staff and agenda meetings, city commission meetings, and committee meetings as necessary.
May represent the city in intergovernmental meetings as assigned, including the Intergovernmental Cable Communications Authority.
Performs supervision work for employees as assigned.
Provide support for other city activities for the city manager’s office as needed.
Administrative and Contract Management
Manage contract compliance and act as a point of contact for contracts related to the production of television content and programming.
Perform administrative functions as a department head, including budgeting, organizational leadership, and managing contracts as needed to fulfill the mission of the department.
Assist the manager and staff in preparation for meetings and presentations (e.g., check venues, test equipment, review presentations).
Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding city information and activities.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend and participate in professional organization meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of innovations and new trends related to duties and responsibilities.
Prepare reports and related information as directed by the City Manager.
Communicate the City’s policies, procedures and programs to City Commission (through the City Manager’s Office), staff, the community. and others both orally and in writing.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the City Manager.
KSA
DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university in Business Administration, Communications, or related field (master’s degree preferred)
10 years of progressively responsible management experience in local government, higher education, or large corporate public communications
5-7 years of supervisory experience creating and managing communications plans and policies
Significant experience in writing, proofreading, web content management, and marketing.
Significant experience with social media.
Certification in Crisis Communications preferred or the ability to obtain
Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities
QUALIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Knowledge of public personnel administration practices and principles.
Knowledge of effective project management.
Knowledge of English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
Knowledge of personal computers and job-related software.
Skill in presentations and public speaking.
Skill in the operation of listed tools and equipment.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with diverse audiences.
Ability to coordinate all elements of special events.
Ability to demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and inventiveness in the performance of duties and responsibilities.
Ability to direct the work of others as needed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of appointed and elected officials, staff, outside agency personnel, community members, the media and public.
Ability to keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
Ability to lift and transport equipment.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to operate office equipment and a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties.
Ability to prepare accurate records and reports.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Ability to represent the City at internal and external meetings.
Ability to respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner.
Ability to see the full range of the color spectrum (cannot be colorblind).
Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written directions and instructions.
Ability to write and edit accurate and grammatically correct written reports.
Ability to work independently and productively.
Ability to work nights and weekends and travel when required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Valid Michigan Driver's License or ability to obtain one.
Must be able to work evening and weekend hours as city activities require. Extended work hours beyond a traditional Monday – Friday.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.
Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Photoshop. Ability to master other software as needed.
Excellent writing skills.
Excellent communication, customer service and interpersonal skills.
TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Personal computer including database, e-mail, spreadsheet and word processing software
Automobile
Calculator
Copy machine
Fax machine
Telephone
Application Special Instructions
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, and reference check. Job-related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
