Communications Director

The City of Pittsburgh seeks a creative, dynamic, and results-oriented communications professional to serve as the Communications Director for the Office of the Mayor. The incumbent will develop, manage and implement a comprehensive and proactive communications strategy for the City of Pittsburgh. The position’s responsibilities include managing and coordinating all department personnel and establishing internal reporting processes with communications personnel. The position's focus is on the conveyance of public information, and the successful representation of the Office of the Mayor’s interests to internal and external audiences.   

The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of public relations strategies, media relations, communications technologies, as well as excellent writing skills. This role will require a solutions-oriented candidate with the ability to build internal and external relationships and become a credible and persuasive leader in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. The candidate should have proven team management experience and a track record of successful inter-departmental collaboration.  

This is a unique opportunity for a highly sophisticated and seasoned communications leader who thrives in an environment of growth. The ideal candidate has experience crafting and executing integrated communications strategies to provide timely and accurate information to the residents of Pittsburgh.

Department:  Office of the Mayor
Position Type:  Announcement
Salary:  $110,718 per year.
Union:  Non-Union
Civil Service Classification:  Exempt

General Application Requirements:

You must submit or show proof of all of the following at the time of filing your application (unless otherwise indicated below) or your application will be disqualified.  Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

• Applicants must submit a complete application including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable) and completed supplemental questions.
• Applicants must be or become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
  • Click here to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. 

NOTE:  The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions.  The background investigation includes but is not limited to criminal background, driver's license and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments.  Candidates may be disqualified from consideration for employment based on the results of their background investigation (as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered).

NOTE:  Candidates being considered for employment will be required to submit official transcripts to verify of their post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to being hired by the City of Pittsburgh.  Transcripts must be submitted at the time of any/each job interview you have with the City of Pittsburgh. 

Qualifying Requirements:

Your City of Pittsburgh application will be reviewed, and your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will be sent an eligibility letter regarding your eligible/ineligible status.

• WORK EXPERIENCE: The application must clearly show six (6) years of full-time communications experience with a successful track record in implementing progressive marketing and messaging strategies in partnership with internal and external stakeholders. Must have a network of local media contacts and experience working with national media.  (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
• EDUCATION/TRAINING: The application must clearly show a Bachelor's Degree from a fully accredited institution in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.  (See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training).
• EQUIVALENCY:  Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year for year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position (based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above). The Total Qualifying Requirement is ten (10) years.  (See NOTE under the General Application Requirements Section above regarding the verification of education/training). 

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will be sent a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s).  You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) in order to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position.  Candidates who receive job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) prior to start date.

• Written:  None required for this position.
• Performance:  None required for this position.
• Medical:  None required for this position.

• Ensures all levels of city communications staff are accurately, effectively, and consistently promoting key Mayoral priorities and messaging.
• Serves as liaison with intergovernmental and other partner communications teams to coordinate messaging on shared priorities.
• Provides direction and oversight of Mayoral Communications Office staff, including internal reporting, personnel management, establishing departmental priorities, and review/approval of external materials.
• Works with the Director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to direct the work product of the Communications Services teams to make sure it is coordinated and aligned.
• Identifies, manages, and directs opportunities to create or enhance City collateral and marketing materials, information and promotional content, and delivery channels (i.e. newsletters, brochures, branded programs, video, social media, etc.).
• Develops long-term communications programming strategy and calendar; including (but not limited to), identifying high-profile events and announcements, high profile stories at both the local and national level, speaking engagements for key City staff, etc.
• Creates and ensures the integration of a citywide crisis communications plan which includes strategic external communications plans, media relations, stakeholder outreach, and rules of engagement/crisis procedures for City personnel.
• Provides oversight for all aspects of Mayoral public appearances, including briefing documents, press outreach materials, location and event details, etc. 
• Conveys information and provides education and awareness to constituents and external stakeholders regarding city initiatives through the creation and distribution of press releases, advertisements, social media posts and other forms of communication. 
• Identifies and leverages international and national opportunities/initiatives to advance Mayor’s agenda and profile.
• Develops, fosters, and maintains professional relationships with representatives from local and national media. 
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with department directors to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities. 
• Develops brand voice and maintains brand integrity across all platforms.
• Oversees development of City social media policies and strategies.
• Tracks engagement across various platforms and makes data-driven decisions.
• Reports directly to the Mayor. 
• Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required.  

Click here to view the full job description including knowledge, skills, and abilities and working conditions for this position. Locate and click on the position title to view the complete job description.

Salary : $110,718