ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements an annual City of Savannah strategic communications plan.
• Serves as a member of the City Manager’s executive team.
• Maintains knowledge of all major events within the city and an awareness of city programs and activities as a basis for accurate reporting and communicating.
• Builds comprehensive communications plans that with objectives, timelines, target audiences and data and key performance indicators
• Directs content creation and brand messaging including the development of all public-facing content, including social media, press materials, speeches, newsletters, and events with a focus on ensuring consistent, accurate, timely and compelling messaging across all platforms and communication channels.
• Develops a brand voice and maintains brand integrity across all platforms
• Cultivates an environment of readiness and alertness
• Utilize data to improve performance and display outcomes and trends
• Serves as the City’s chief storyteller, helping to explain City activities in a relatable way.
• Works with departments in planning and developing public relations programs, community engagement efforts, and strategies with an emphasis on two-way communications.
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with the news media, influencers, community stakeholders and news makers and serves as communications liaison between these parties and the City of Savannah
• Oversee the preparation of news releases, organizes news conferences and prepares informational collateral materials, talking points, support briefs, and position statements.
• Arranges for media coverage at all major City functions.
• Acts as chief spokesperson for the organization.
• Manages the development and production of the City’s Savannah Government Television Channel (SGTV), other City publications, videos and website content for staff and community.
• Maintains a working relationship with community leaders and community organizations.
• Attends council meetings and work sessions and prepares reports as requested.
• Represents the City in community, state and national functions as directed by the City Manager.
• Plans, develops, and implements the City’s Crisis Communication Plan which includes emergency incidents such as hurricanes, flood events, snow storms, or other major threats.
• Develops and oversees communication plans on an ongoing basis.
• Directs the Office of Communications’ budget development.
• Plans, directs and supervises all functions of the Communications and Marketing Department
• Supervises the selection, hiring and training of Communications staff.
• Administers citywide communications functions.
• Serves as an advisor to the City Manager, Chief Officers and Mayor and Council.
• Confers with communications leaders at state, regional and national levels.
• Performs other functions and assumes other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned by the City Manager.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience in the area of public relations, marketing, and/or communications. Minimum of eight or more years of experience in public relations/marketing with at least three years of public sector experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a citywide annual communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Executive Partnership: Serve on the City Manager’s executive team and advise the Mayor, Council, and leadership on communications initiatives.
• Brand Stewardship: Oversee all content creation to ensure consistent messaging, tone, and brand integrity across platforms.
• Public Engagement: Build strong media and community relationships. Serve as liaison with influencers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Storytelling & Outreach: Act as the City’s chief storyteller—translating complex policies into relatable, people-focused narratives.
• Crisis Communication: Lead emergency and crisis communication planning and response efforts.
• Data-Driven Results: Leverage analytics to measure success, guide messaging strategy, and inform decision-making.
• Department Oversight: Manage the Communications & Marketing team, department budget, staffing, and professional development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the job of Communications Senior Director.
• Considerable knowledge of city governance practices as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
• Experience developing and administering operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the office.
• Understands how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to the operations and activities of the Communications Senior Director.
• Able to analysis, record and display data for performance and outcome improvements
• Able to effectively communicate and interact with executives, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the position.
• Able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Good organizational, human relations and technical skills.
• Able to use independent judgment and work with little or no direct supervision when necessary.
• Able to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulation, procedures, and related information.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods used in public education.
• Mathematical ability to handle required calculations.
• Knowledgeable and proficient with computers.
• Able to read, understand, and interpret financial reports and related materials.

PURPOSE

Are you a visionary storyteller with a passion for public service and the power of communication? The City of Savannah is seeking an exceptional Senior Director of Communications to lead the City’s strategic messaging, brand development, and engagement efforts—shaping the way our community and the world experience Savannah.
In this pivotal executive leadership role, you will oversee the implementation of citywide communications strategies that elevate the City of Savannah’s credibility, build trust, and foster meaningful engagement. As the City’s chief storyteller and spokesperson, you will shape public perception and ensure consistent, clear, and compelling messaging across all platforms.
Savannah is a city of rich history, vibrant culture, and bold vision. As Senior Director of Communications, you’ll be at the heart of telling that story—one of resilience, innovation, and community. This is your opportunity to make a lasting mark in one of America’s most unique and cherished cities.
Apply today and help shape the future of how Savannah communicates with the world.
Competitive compensation package, full benefits, and the opportunity to lead a high-impact department with citywide influence.
We offer great pay, excellent benefits to include medical, dental, and vision plans, life insurance, employee/spouse/child supplemental life insurance, short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, wellness programs, deferred compensation plan (457 B), pension plan, flexible spending account, home purchase assistance, employee referral program and 12 paid holidays!

Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) or equivalent experience in the area of public relations, marketing, and/or communications. Minimum of eight or more years of experience in public relations/marketing with at least three years of public sector experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a citywide annual communications strategy aligned with organizational goals.
• Executive Partnership: Serve on the City Manager’s executive team and advise the Mayor, Council, and leadership on communications initiatives.
• Brand Stewardship: Oversee all content creation to ensure consistent messaging, tone, and brand integrity across platforms.
• Public Engagement: Build strong media and community relationships. Serve as liaison with influencers, stakeholders, and the public.
• Storytelling & Outreach: Act as the City’s chief storyteller—translating complex policies into relatable, people-focused narratives.
• Crisis Communication: Lead emergency and crisis communication planning and response efforts.
• Data-Driven Results: Leverage analytics to measure success, guide messaging strategy, and inform decision-making.
• Department Oversight: Manage the Communications & Marketing team, department budget, staffing, and professional development