COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

JOB OBJECTIVE: The Communication Director plays a pivotal role in fostering transparent, effective, and engaging communication between the local government and its stakeholders, including residents, businesses, media, and internal departments. This role involves developing and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across all channels. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator, adept at public relations, crisis management, and community engagement, with a deep understanding of local government operations and public service values.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a strategic communication plan aligned with the local government’s mission, goals, and priorities.
• Collaborate with leadership and departments to identify key messaging and communication objectives.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the local government.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and statements.
• Develop programs and initiatives to improve citizen engagement and public participation.
• Coordinate public forums, town halls, and community meetings.
• Monitor and respond to public feedback through various channels.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality content, including newsletters, social media posts, website updates, and annual reports.
• Ensure all communications are clear, accurate, and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies to manage public perception during emergencies or sensitive situations.
• Act as the lead point of contact for communication during crises, ensuring timely dissemination of information.
• Protect and promote our image and reputation through proactive communication.
• Write press releases and other marketing materials as directed by Mayor.
• Provide direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to Mayor, as well as Department Heads regarding public information matters, to include providing direct assistance in researching, providing information, and developing messages and marketing materials.
• Plan and disseminates internal and external communication of information through various media that is designed to keep public informed of City programs, accomplishments, or points of view.
• Write, edit, review, and ensure appropriate distribution of communication/public relations materials that have a City-wide impact including news releases, articles, speeches, online information services and broadcast scripts; may oversee production and publication of communication/public relations materials and related communications.
• Maintain City website to include monitoring website to identify and resolve performance problems, posting information submitted by City Departments, and ensuring information is accurate, complete, and current.
• Develop strategies to expand the City’s social media presence with regular updates on various social media sites; monitors social media traffic and responds to posts and inquiries from the public relating to City activities, events, programs, and related information.
• Work closely with Sherwood Advertising & Promotions Commission to successfully manage event advertising and marketing efforts.
• Design and produce or assist outside agencies with the design and production of advertisements, communication materials, including brochures, flyers, press releases, information pamphlets, media announcements, public presentation materials, and other promotional/public information materials to inform the public of City activities; ensures distribution of produced materials.
• Develops, organizes, and manages the production of the City of Sherwood’s Community Calendar.
• Perform other duties as assigned and/or required.

Job Details