Communications Director

SUMMARY

The Communications Director is a key strategic role within the Mayor's Office, responsible for overseeing media relations and communication efforts for the City of Pawtucket. This position ensures that the city effectively communicates with residents, public servants, and other stakeholders, providing clear educational materials and fostering opportunities for meaningful engagement.

Additionally, the Director will play a pivotal role in addressing the needs of the community and amplifying resident feedback. This position provides strategic leadership to define and prioritize communication goals, ensuring that the City’s messaging is accurate, timely, and impactful. They will oversee the effective dissemination of information across all City departments and services, promoting clarity, consistency, and alignment in all communication efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Including, but not limited to the following:

• Oversees and manages all media relations and social media efforts for the city, ensuring consistent and strategic communication across all platforms – including code red alerts.
• Works with office staff to oversee the Mayor’s calendar, engagement, media releases, conferences, events, and presentations.
• Crafting speaking points for the Mayor, ensuring alignment with key messages and priorities. This includes preparation for a variety of Mayoral engagements, such as public appearances, press conferences, and community events, to effectively communicate the Mayor’s vision and initiatives.
• Develops, organizes, and oversees complex projects, including the creation and implementation of a comprehensive communications plan. Collaborates with departments, senior management, and staff to coordinate media activities, as well as informational meetings or conferences with community leaders, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
• Manages media relations and serves as the primary point of contact. Drafts press releases and coordinates media coverage.
• Provides guidance to department heads and city staff on media interactions.
• Oversees office staff workflow to ensure the timely execution of media releases, press conferences, events, presentations, and community engagement initiatives.
• Applies the principles of the Pawtucket Code of Service and Civic Engagement to all communications, meeting designs, and performance measures, fostering a city where residents are engaged and contribute to the community's well-being.
• Ensures appropriate representation of the city at community meetings, media events, and key functions by assigning necessary staff.
• Manages content for social media platforms and the city’s external website to ensure accurate and timely information.
• Develops, maintains, and updates the city’s media policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Interfaces with community groups/neighborhood associations as needed.
• May be required to attend special meetings and work on special projects outside normal working hours. This position requires flexibility and the ability to be readily available to provide support as needed.
• Additional duties may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s Degree or five years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

· Bi-lingual speaking skills a plus.

· In-depth understanding of media and public relations principles, techniques, and strategies, along with expertise in marketing and communications. Familiarity with the tools and processes involved in creating multimedia graphics, community flyers, and other visual materials. Proficient in advertising and promotional methods. General knowledge of effective research, content creation, and distribution of public information.

· Proven experience in public speaking and engaging with diverse community groups.

· Highly familiar with leveraging social media platforms to engage the community, promote city initiatives, and manage the city's online presence effectively.

· Skilled in writing clear, precise talking points, press releases, and other communication materials, tailored to diverse audiences.

· Strong research and analytical skills to address key city-wide issues and inform strategic decisions.

· Understanding of governmental operations.

· Demonstrated leadership in guiding, developing, and supervising teams to achieve departmental goals. This includes an oversight of communication interns. Ability to provide leadership in designing and leading departmental and citizen meetings.

· Ability to respond to the needs of the city at hours and times which may occur outside of normal working hours.

· Able to handles highly sensitive and confidential material. Will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

· Ability to read, analyze, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, media, constituents, and the general public.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Required)

Work Location: In person