What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Communications position at City of Des Plaines, IL?
Salary : See Position Description
Location : Des Plaines, IL
Job Type : Full Time
Job Number : 24-17
Department : City Administration / Media Services
Opening Date : 08 / 12 / 2024
Closing Date : Continuous
Description
Expected Starting Salary : $140,000 / - Qualifications.
Performs a variety of supervisory, administrative, and technical work associated with the City's video, marketing, and communication programs.
The Director of Communications is responsible for leading the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of all communications, outreach initiatives, and digital strategies in the City of Des Plaines. The Director plans, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the City's Media Services Division; city-wide communications and engagement activities; and functions as the City's Public Information Officer (PIO).
The Director coordinates communications and community outreach initiatives in a cooperative, forward-thinking, and innovative manner, while working with all departments to skillfully deliver consistent messaging and essential information that resonates with our diverse community.
Under the guidance and direction of the City Manager, exercises supervision and professionally develops team members.
Examples of Duties
- Develops the short- and long-term communication strategy and objectives for the City. Oversees both internal and external communication activities.
- Develops, manages and administers strategic communication plans; prepares and oversees the drafting of speeches including the annual State of the City, press releases, public service announcements, brochures, flyers, pamphlets, newsletters, annual reports, articles and scripts for City officials and staff to educate the public and enhance the City's public image including assisting with "branding" the City.
- Oversees consistency in external communications deliverables including, but not limited to press releases, website content, brochures / promotional pieces, thought leadership articles, video, newsletters, and presentations, as well as other platforms such as (website, DP311, Intranet, social media, E-News, newsletters, fliers, notices, billboards, digital message boards, DPTV, employee news), etc.
- Serve as the City's Public Information Officer, media spokesperson, chief "storyteller" and brand advocate. Ensures accuracy of the information and brand consistency.
- Responsible for the programming, development, operations, procedures and administration of the City's cable television and YouTube channel, including managing franchise agreements.
- Oversees crisis communications function and responses for the City. Includes coordination with all necessary approvals with internal and external stakeholders. Responds to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally.
- Oversee and manage all City-sponsored events, ensuring they are executed successfully and align with the City's event standards and objectives. Develop and implement creative ideas to enhance event experience and optimize event management processes. Analyzes current event performance and continually assesses new ideas for city events that could be incorporated for the city.
- Develops, maintains, and curates media relationships for the City of Des Plaines and builds key media and communications contacts. Consistently develops and maintains positive relationships with members of the media, local government offices, business leaders, and other community leaders and organization groups.
- Stays informed on City programs and projects and provides advice on the method and timing of press releases, press conferences, and media events. Identifies opportunities for promoting the City's programs and projects. Plans, organizes and implements multimedia events and special publicity campaigns for various projects, programs and issues.
- Develops a systematic communication outreach strategy to increase the City's brand recognition and positive messaging. Uses feedback, data, and reporting to drive continuous improvement. Ensures all city materials have consistent and positive messaging and branding.
- Develops and manages budget, financial controls, and risk ensuring operations are executed efficiently and within established budgets. Maintains equipment inventory and replacement schedule; evaluates the need for and recommends the purchase of new equipment, supplies, and services; maintains system licenses and support contracts.
- Manages, coaches, and develops staff; works with employees to set goals in training and development to achieve goals within available resources, plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed. Responsible for supervisor activities, including written performance evaluations, recommendations for promotion, demotion or reprimands, hiring and job descriptions.
- Develop and guide other City Departments' development of information and public awareness campaigns.
- Appropriately responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources.
- Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
- Stays abreast of current industry trends and communication's technology by attending conferences and meetings and communicating regularly with consultants and industry peers; represents the Media Services Division in a variety of local, county, state and other meetings.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
Supplemental Information
Salary : $140,000