What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Communications and Media position at City of Harlingen, Texas?
Department
Public Relations
Location
City Hall
Position Type
FT Employee
Salary
$59,950/yr
Date
2025.04.08
Description
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The Director of Communications and Media directs the activities and operations of the Communication and Media Department. Serves as the chief communication liaison. Provides complex administrative support by facilitating public and media relations, marketing, public information, community relations, emergency management, and employee relations. Serves as City’s Public Information Officer, Producer and reporter for City Cable Network, and other duties as assigned. May supervise the work of others and may serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
- Directs, oversees, and conducts the development and processes of department budget related functions.
- Manages and oversees Harlingen Cable Network Channel.
- Writes, produces, reports information, and conducts on-air interviews.
- Assigns video shoots, prepares weekly programming schedule, and verifies and manages information/video aired.
- Maintains video and production equipment.
- Develops and implements public relations, advertising, promotional and social media strategies.
- Prepares and/or edits and distributes new releases to promote City initiatives and programs.
- Manages information disseminated to media and the public.
- Provides video to media outlets and schedules media interviews with elected officials and department directors.
- Organizes press conferences and serves as the City’s spokesperson as needed.
- Prepares and/or edits speaking points for Mayor, Council Members and/or Executive Leadership Staff.
- Curates, writes and/or coordinates with all division staff on posts for City social media platforms.
- Maintains department webpage.
- Acts as lead contact person for media interested in doing a story or background information on the City and/or provide the City’s response to issues under the direction of the City Manager.
- Writes and edits stories for early accomplishments report and City blog.
- Researches and stays up to date on City related issues.
- Collaborates with the organizations and other partners to market Harlingen’s targeted industries and events.
- Organizes and coordinates special events such as groundbreakings, grand openings, etc. under the direction of the City Manager.
- Attends, represents, and promotes the city at events, related conferences, workshops, and webinars.
- Responds to citizen inquiries; responds to public records requests made by the news media with assistance from the City Secretary.
- Edits articles, designs advertisements for media, and prepares scripts.
- Prepares shot list for photographs for media.
- Attends committee meetings and public gatherings to obtain necessary information and give information concerning the city.
- Designs and/or coordinates design of internal and external marketing materials and publications for the city.
- Collaborates with other City Departments regarding press releases and marketing content.
- Attends events sponsored by the city to serve as Emcee and to capture photos and video of the event as needed.
- Prepares (writes) the State of the City speech for the mayor with information provided by departments from the city.
- Attend City Commission meetings and reads proclamations, awards, business of the month, other business, school, individual recognition information, etc.
- Captures photographs during special events.
- Collects and compiles City Manager’s Monthly Reports and Annual Reports.
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.
- Performs related work and reports as assigned.
- Observes safety regulations and communicates potential safety hazards.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
Additional Requirements:
- Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.
- This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles for City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
- Must possess Emergency Management and Incident Command Training in Public Information Response.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED
- General supervision is received from the City Manager.
- Exercises supervision over professional, paraprofessional, and clerical staff.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Knowledge of:
- Public, Educational, and Governmental Access Channels operations.
- Managing and monitoring work performance of a division including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work and staffing assignments for the department.
- Communications and discussions may result in decisions regarding policy development and implementation. Interaction with others outside the organization requires exercising participative management skills that support team efforts and quality processes.
- Normally performs the duty assignments within broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices.
- Advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgement and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
- Leadership skills.
- Excellent speaking, writing, communication and presenting skills.
- Customer service and public relations skills.
Ability to:
- Work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends, as required.
- Ability to operate computer, copier/fax machine, printer/scanner, software, video camera, photo camera, television and studio lights, audio/visual equipment
- Manage time effectively.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Television/Film Production, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or media related field; or five (5) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:
- Valid Texas Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and moving vehicle traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
SAFETY SENSITIVITY
This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
The Director of Communications and Media directs the activities and operations of the Communication and Media Department. Serves as the chief communication liaison. Provides complex administrative support by facilitating public and media relations, marketing, public information, community relations, emergency management, and employee relations. Serves as City’s Public Information Officer, Producer and reporter for City Cable Network, and other duties as assigned. May supervise the work of others and may serve as a lead worker providing direction to others.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.
- Directs, oversees, and conducts the development and processes of department budget related functions.
- Manages and oversees Harlingen Cable Network Channel.
- Writes, produces, reports information, and conducts on-air interviews.
- Assigns video shoots, prepares weekly programming schedule, and verifies and manages information/video aired.
- Maintains video and production equipment.
- Develops and implements public relations, advertising, promotional and social media strategies.
- Prepares and/or edits and distributes new releases to promote City initiatives and programs.
- Manages information disseminated to media and the public.
- Provides video to media outlets and schedules media interviews with elected officials and department directors.
- Organizes press conferences and serves as the City’s spokesperson as needed.
- Prepares and/or edits speaking points for Mayor, Council Members and/or Executive Leadership Staff.
- Curates, writes and/or coordinates with all division staff on posts for City social media platforms.
- Maintains department webpage.
- Acts as lead contact person for media interested in doing a story or background information on the City and/or provide the City’s response to issues under the direction of the City Manager.
- Writes and edits stories for early accomplishments report and City blog.
- Researches and stays up to date on City related issues.
- Collaborates with the organizations and other partners to market Harlingen’s targeted industries and events.
- Organizes and coordinates special events such as groundbreakings, grand openings, etc. under the direction of the City Manager.
- Attends, represents, and promotes the city at events, related conferences, workshops, and webinars.
- Responds to citizen inquiries; responds to public records requests made by the news media with assistance from the City Secretary.
- Edits articles, designs advertisements for media, and prepares scripts.
- Prepares shot list for photographs for media.
- Attends committee meetings and public gatherings to obtain necessary information and give information concerning the city.
- Designs and/or coordinates design of internal and external marketing materials and publications for the city.
- Collaborates with other City Departments regarding press releases and marketing content.
- Attends events sponsored by the city to serve as Emcee and to capture photos and video of the event as needed.
- Prepares (writes) the State of the City speech for the mayor with information provided by departments from the city.
- Attend City Commission meetings and reads proclamations, awards, business of the month, other business, school, individual recognition information, etc.
- Captures photographs during special events.
- Collects and compiles City Manager’s Monthly Reports and Annual Reports.
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies and procedures.
- Performs related work and reports as assigned.
- Observes safety regulations and communicates potential safety hazards.
- Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
Additional Requirements:
- Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon assignment.
- This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles for City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record.
- Must possess Emergency Management and Incident Command Training in Public Information Response.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED & EXERCISED
- General supervision is received from the City Manager.
- Exercises supervision over professional, paraprofessional, and clerical staff.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Knowledge of:
- Public, Educational, and Governmental Access Channels operations.
- Managing and monitoring work performance of a division including evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, establishing broad organizational goals and realigning work and staffing assignments for the department.
- Communications and discussions may result in decisions regarding policy development and implementation. Interaction with others outside the organization requires exercising participative management skills that support team efforts and quality processes.
- Normally performs the duty assignments within broad parameters defined by general organizational requirements and accepted practices.
- Advanced skills and knowledge in approaches and systems, which affect the design and implementation of major programs and/or processes organization wide. Independent judgement and decision-making abilities are necessary to apply technical skills effectively.
- Leadership skills.
- Excellent speaking, writing, communication and presenting skills.
- Customer service and public relations skills.
Ability to:
- Work flexible hours including holidays, evenings, and weekends, as required.
- Ability to operate computer, copier/fax machine, printer/scanner, software, video camera, photo camera, television and studio lights, audio/visual equipment
- Manage time effectively.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication Television/Film Production, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or media related field; or five (5) years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses, Certificates & Registrations:
- Valid Texas Driver’s License.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The employee is regularly required to sit and use hands and fingers. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
The employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and moving vehicle traffic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
SAFETY SENSITIVITY
This position is not classified as a safety-sensitive position.
Salary : $59,950
