JOB SUMMARY

The Communications Director serves as the City’s strategic communications lead, driving a proactive and unified approach to internal and external messaging that reflects the City’s mission, priorities, and brand. This position advises City leadership, directs public information and engagement strategies, and ensures all communication efforts are timely, inclusive, and aligned with community values. Serving as a key advisor and spokesperson, the Director keeps City leadership and elected officials informed of key activities, issues, and public sentiment. The Director manages media relations, digital content, crisis communications, and public outreach, while supervising the Communications Specialist to deliver high-quality day-to-day execution. In close coordination with department heads, elected officials, the Emergency Manager, and regional partners, the Director promotes transparency, strengthens civic trust, and celebrates the City’s partnerships with military, business, and community stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent training and experience is REQUIRED.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a closely related field is desirable but not required.
• An equivalent combination of education, relevant certifications, and progressively responsible experience in public communications may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, community engagement, media relations, or strategic communications is REQUIRED.
• Valid Colorado Drivers License or ability to obtain within 90 days of hire is REQUIRED.
• Must possess or obtain the following Incident Command System (ICS) certifications: IS-100, IS-200, IS-300, IS-400, IS-700, and IS-800 within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Experience in local government or public sector communications is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing high-level strategic communications, managing sensitive or high-profile topics, and working with elected officials or executive leadership is highly desirable.
• Deep knowledge of strategic communications principles, community engagement practices, media relations, and digital content management.
• Proficiency with modern communication tools and platforms, including social media, web content management systems, email marketing, and engagement tools (e.g., CivicPlus, Balancing Act, Engagement HQ).
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, compelling public messaging.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills; able to draft reports, statements, and business correspondence on behalf of the City Manager and elected officials.
• Strong political acumen, with the ability to navigate complex, high-stakes, or politically sensitive environments tactfully and professionally.
• Exceptional interpersonal and listening skills, with a natural ability to build relationships and foster trust with diverse stakeholders.
• Creative thinker with a passion for storytelling, public service, and inclusive community engagement.
• Self-motivated and action-oriented, with the ability to initiate and implement projects independently while managing competing priorities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as needed for events, meetings, or emergency response.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES

• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• To perform the essential job functions and to ensure the safety of themselves, their coworkers, and the public, employees must have the ability to regulate attention; to plan; to understand, remember, and apply information; to effectively interact with others; to concentrate and maintain pace; and to adapt or regulate one’s behavior.
• Ability to proficiently read, speak, and understand English. Proficiency in non-English languages is highly valued.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure using whole numbers, common fractions and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical skills, statistical and mathematical abilities and interpersonal skills. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to write complex reports and distill information for many audiences.
• This position requires close, distance and peripheral vision.
• Ability to hear an average conversational voice in a quiet room, using one or both ears, at a distance of six (6) feet. Ability to hear sounds and signals indicating work and safety necessities.
• This position requires standing, walking and sitting for periods of time. Utilization of hands and fingers to operate office computer keyboard and equipment required. Must be able to reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel or crouch if needed.
• Must be able to lift up to thirty (30) pounds as needed and frequently lift up to fifteen (15) pounds.
• This position requires effective proficiency in the use of computer software and applications, office equipment, and professional telephone use. The ability to adequately type quickly with few to no errors is also very important. This position will often require multi-tasking in the use of computer, phone, and office equipment while interacting with clients. Candidates for this position may be required to take and pass technology proficiency assessments prior to employment.
  ** This exempt position will be open from August 18, 2025, through September 2, 2025, or until filled. *

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops and executes a comprehensive, forward-looking communications strategy that supports the City’s mission, strategic priorities, and brand identity.
• Serves as the primary advisor to City leadership on internal and external communications matters, helping anticipate issues and shape public messaging to foster transparency and trust.
• Keeps City leadership and elected officials informed of key events, initiatives, public sentiment, and emerging issues to support timely, informed decision-making and strategic messaging.
• Oversees the creation, editing, and dissemination of public information across all City platforms, ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment with City values.
• Leads the development of proactive media relations, including press releases, media advisories, news conferences, interviews, and crisis communications.
• Ensures all communications comply with legal, ethical, and accessibility standards.
• Coordinates the City’s response to media inquiries and breaking news situations; prepares official statements and serves as a media spokesperson as needed.
• Assists in preparing talking points, briefing materials, and messaging frameworks for City leadership, ensuring alignment with policy, tone, and audience.
• Guides the planning and execution of public engagement campaigns and initiatives that promote City services, events, programs, and achievements.
• Supervises and supports the Communications Specialist, delegating tactical assignments and ensuring high-quality execution of day-to-day content, materials, and outreach.
• Directs the City’s use of digital platforms including the website, social media channels, and email newsletters, ensuring timely, relevant, and inclusive communication.
• Coordinates internal communications and organizational messaging that reinforces City culture, employee engagement, and key initiatives.
• Partners with department heads and City staff to identify communication needs and develop tailored outreach strategies for diverse audiences.
• Coordinates with the City’s Emergency Management Team to lead the City’s crisis communication efforts and maintains readiness plans for emergencies, including clear procedures for internal coordination and public messaging.
• Maintains editorial standards and branding guidelines for written, visual, and digital content across all City departments.
• Builds and maintains strong working relationships with media representatives, partner agencies, elected officials, the business community, and community stakeholders.
• Tracks performance metrics, analyzes communication effectiveness, and reports insights to senior leadership to inform continuous improvement.
• Promotes and highlights the City’s relationships with military partners, community organizations, and other governmental entities; develops messaging and campaigns that celebrate collaboration and shared accomplishments.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships with coworkers, leadership, and external contacts.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned by the City Manager.

SUPERVISOR DUTIES

The Communications Director is responsible for supervising the Communications Specialist and may oversee additional communications staff or external contractors as needed. This role includes managing employee welfare, enforcing discipline when necessary, supporting professional development, and conducting regular performance evaluations to foster a high-functioning team environment. The Director actively participates in hiring decisions, onboarding, and terminations when warranted, ensuring that staffing aligns with the City’s strategic communications goals. In addition to personnel oversight, the Director manages the division’s budget and resources, ensuring efficient use of funds and alignment with departmental priorities. The Director sets clear expectations, assigns tasks, reviews work, and provides coaching to ensure consistent quality, creativity, and effectiveness in all communications efforts. The position also champions a collaborative team culture and upholds the City’s values of transparency, service, and inclusion.