Director of Communications

Summary: Under general supervision, plans, coordinates and directs the City's communications, public information, marketing and branding for the City of Odessa. In cooperative with City Departments and officials, develops and distributes accurate, timely and accessible public information about the City and its services. Responsible for coordinating responses to public information request and public awareness of City programs; manages internal and external communications for the City.

Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring success of: a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the City's image and position within the local market and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications: and all organization marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, client acquisition and so forth.
• Ensures articulation of City's desired image and position, assures consistent communication of image and position throughout the organization and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.
• Develops novel approaches, methods and designs to positively promote the City's image.
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of all organization publications.
• Coordinates media interest in the organization and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
• Works with management and other staff to: develop and maintain a strategic perspective- the base on local market and constituent needs and satisfaction- in organizational directions, program and services and decision making; and, ensure the overall health and vitality of the City.
• Responsible for the achievement of marketing/communications/public relations mission, goals and financial objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the City Manager's Office.
• Administers the Open Records Request and assign to appropriate department and ensures completion.
• Manages staff, which may include interviewing and selection, job description preparation, professional development, goal setting, performance management, coaching and mentoring, employee counseling and separations. Reviews and approves time records, expense reports, requests for leave and overtime.
• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate City newsletter.
• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate responses to media requests.
• Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events; serves as Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergency events.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting  with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field required; AND five years' increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications and public relations required; public sector experience is preferred.

Knowledge of:

• State and federal rules and regulations covering municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings and Texas Public Information Act.
• Principles, techniques and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations and community relations programs.
• Developing and managing budgets.
• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation and publication.
• Current legislative, political and economic trends in state and federal government programs.
• Methods, techniques and equipment used in the production of video projects.
• Local community resources and state and regional community services programs.
• Legal, ethical and professional rules of conduct for municipal government employees.

Skill in:

• Coordinating the City's public information programs, projects and operations and developing community relations and communications programs from concept to completion.
• Analyzing information from a variety of sources, and developing effective action plans.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
• Successful writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with the media.
• Preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.
• Interpreting and explaining federal and state rules and regulations and City policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials and representatives from other regional agencies.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of business and specialized presentation software.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability to:

• Manage multiple projects at a time.
• Apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues. Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
• Works well under pressure.
• Coach and educate others.
• Lead with strategic thinking and initiative.
• Have a sophisticated executive presence and ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.

License and certification requirements:  A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Certification for access to National/Texas Crime Information Centers (NCIC/TCIC), and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) are required within one year of hire.

Physical demands and working environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment.

For more information, or to apply now, you must go to the website below. Please DO NOT email your resume to us as we only accept applications through our website.

https://www.applicantpro.com/j/1045848-111610