Public Relations & Communications Director

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Description

Position: Director of Public Relations & Communications

Department: Communications Department

Employment Status: Permanent

• Full Time

• Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Compensation: Grade 12; Salary range starting at $66,450.45 - $75,000

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Director of Public Relations and Communications oversees the Communications Department for the City of Morgantown. The Director of Public Relations and Communications advises, coordinates, and assists in the development, production, and implementation of internal and external communications of the city and serves as the City's Public Information Officer. The Director of Public Relations and Communications directs, implements, monitors, and evaluates marketing communications strategies and programs, including advertising, marketing, city promotion, and regulatory matters. Oversees efficient processes for the regulatory review and approval of communication materials. Additionally, the Director of Public Relations and Communications explores and adopts new channels, methods, and platforms to optimize city appeal and opportunity. Manages all aspects of media relations for the City of Morgantown and serves as strategic advisor to city administration with respect to communications and public relations initiatives. Work is typically varied and includes significant inter and intragovernmental and public contact. Critical to this role is building and sustaining excellent relationships with public officials, local media, and other local, state and federal agencies. Individual performs related work and other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES - KNOWLEDGE - SKILLS - ABILITIES

• Plan and direct communication activities including media relations, social media, digital media, employee communications, crisis communications, and marketing.

• Serves as the Public Information officer and is responsible for responding to all media inquiries quickly and efficiently, coordinates with city employees to ensure media deadlines are met.

• Develops and implements marketing, branding, crisis communication and other integrated communication plans, campaigns and procedures using communication strategies and theories.

• Establishes and implements short- and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement.

• Coordinates all media relations and serves as a designated spokesperson for the city and Morgantown Police Department.

• Prepares and monitors the annual communications department budget.

• Interface daily with city administration to identify and understand issues which impact the City.

• Advises city administration and departments on the optimum approach in public relations and strategic communications to meet the goals of the city and provides assistance in major events.

• Manages the operation and maintenance of the City of Morgantown government cable access channel to include live cable broadcasts, replays, electronic information messages, prerecorded content and troubleshooting video equipment problems.

• Oversees public meetings that are streamed and broadcasted live.

• Oversees social media accounts for the City of Morgantown, Metropolitan Theatre, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Morgantown History Museum, Morgantown Municipal Airport, Morgantown Fire Department, and Morgantown Police Department and others as they arise.

• Oversees content development for the City of Morgantown, Hazel Ruby McQuain Park, Morgantown History Museum, Morgantown Municipal Airport, Morgantown Police Department, and Metropolitan Theatre websites.

• Direct the preparation of communication materials for dissemination to all stakeholders (internal & external) to ensure clear, consistent messaging.

• Designs, edits and prepares detailed legislative reports, manuals, updates and other legislative materials as assigned.

• Develops, produces or contracts video information programs about city services and public service announcements.

• Helps to coordinate public information and media relations during emergency management situations.

• Publicizes high profile special events and projects.

• Evaluates communication with internal and external audiences for efficiency and effectiveness.

• Renders decisions in administrative matters; consults with directors and managers in unique or special situations.

• Other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in AP-Style grammar.

• Excellent knowledge of English grammar use, composition, and research and editing techniques.

• Extensive knowledge of web-based Content Management and various social media systems.

• Extensive knowledge of public relations and marketing theories and best practices.

• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests while working effectively in a team environment.

• Knowledge of media relations and building relationships with local members of the press.

• Knowledge of the organization and programs of the City of Morgantown.

• Ability to conduct formal research, analyze data and make sound, logical conclusions.

• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple "priority" projects simultaneously and meet established deadlines.

• Ability to work effectively with elected officials and staff in complex and sometimes political situations.

• Ability to create, implement, manage and evaluate marketing and public relations campaigns.

• Ability to work independently and as a team member exercising good judgment and initiative.

• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

• Ability to communicate thoughts, both written and verbally, in a simple and clear way.

• Ability to write in different formats for various audiences.

• Ability to gather information through research, observation and/or interview.

• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Skilled in Adobe Design and video editing software. Specifically, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Premier.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal external work or occasional exposure to physically demanding, unpleasant, strenuous, and/or hazardous situations.

• This position operates in an indoor office environment, sitting, standing, walking, using a computer and other office equipment, performing calculations, and communicating orally and in writing. Some local travel is required. Physical ability to lift and maneuver 40 lbs.

USE OF TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

• Position provides routine consultation and technology support for everyday computer programming and/or software requests/questions to others in the organization; is an applications super user; or uses specialized software such as GIS, SCADA or telecommunications software.

• Design platforms such as Canva, Adobe, and Google.

• Equipment may include but is not limited to the following; camcorder, DSLR camera, computer, video server, audio/video equipment, vMix video Production software, Zoom.

CONTACT & SUPERVISION

• Position involves frequent internal and external contacts in which position acts as the spokesperson for the department and is authorized to make commitments of significant resources on behalf of the department.

• Responsible for the supervision of two to five full-time (or full-time equivalent) employees.

• This position works under the direction of the City Manager & Assistant City Manager.

The City of Morgantown is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of 7 years full-time or equivalent part-time paid experience in the field of communications, public relations, journalism, advertising, marketing, or a related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Integrated Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications or a related field.

• Experience working in government affairs or public policy communications highly desired.

Salary Description

Grade 12; Salary range starting at $66,450.45