Deputy Director of Communications

Deputy Director of Communications

City of Commerce City, CO

We're excited to invite a strategic leader to join our team as the Deputy Director of Communications! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to enhance and promote the vibrant image of Commerce City through creative public relations, dynamic marketing campaigns, and meaningful community outreach. In this role, youll play a key part in engaging with vital stakeholders, including the public, elected officials, and the media, building strong relationships that bolster our community's reputation. If you're a talented communicator who thrives in challenging situations and is passionate about impactful public affairs strategies, we can't wait to see how your vision and expertise can shine in our dedicated team!

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to promote Commerce Citys mission, goals, and values

Oversee media relations efforts, including writing and distributing press releases, organizing media events, and building relationships with key journalists

Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to emerging issues and mitigating reputational risks

Manage internal and external communications to ensure alignment with Commerce City objectives and key messaging

Monitor and analyze public opinion, media coverage, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decision-making

Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders

Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements for senior executives and other leaders

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and consistent messaging

Oversee the preparation and dissemination of reports, statements, and presentations to external stakeholders

Advise senior leadership on public affairs issues and provide recommendations for enhancing organizational visibility

Lead the development of content for public relations materials, including speeches, op-eds, blogs, and social media posts

Manage communication team budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across initiatives

Foster community engagement through outreach programs, events, and partnerships

Track and evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes

Oversee social media strategy, ensuring effective and consistent messaging across platforms

Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups, community leaders, and industry partners.

Provide media training and communication coaching for senior leadership and key organizational spokespeople.

Act as a liaison between the City of Commerce City and external public relations firms or consultants when necessary

Stay informed of emerging trends in public affairs, media, communications, and marketing developments to adapt strategies accordingly

Cultivate positive relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to ensure broad coverage of organizational news

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Oversees and supervises division staff

Motivates, coaches, and influences people to facilitate the organization's effectiveness and organizational change

Manages department personnel, including the selection process, training and development of the staff, performance appraisals, promotions, demotions, terminations, and disciplinary actions

Prepares timely performance evaluations that clearly define expectations

Mentors staff and identifies training opportunities to maximize performance, encouraging an environment of growth and opportunity.

Provides accurate feedback about the work produced

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, political science, or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or a related discipline, with a proven track record of managing high-profile communications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

public affairs, media relations, marketing, events, and strategic communication principles and practices

social media platforms and digital communication strategies

Skill in:

written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences

interpersonal and relationship building, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders

project management, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines

analytics, in order to evaluate public opinion, media coverage, and public affairs metrics to adjust strategies as needed

Ability to:

develop and execute communication strategies and crisis communication plans

think strategically and anticipate public relations challenges and opportunities

problem solve and make decisions, especially in high-pressure or crises

lead and manage a team, providing direction, mentorship, and support to achieve objectives

navigate complex political environments and engage with elected officials

Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities

Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business

Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel.

Other Equipment: None.

Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying

Lifting: Frequently lifts, carries, and exerts up to 25 pounds

Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires.

Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time. Work may be performed in precarious or tight spaces.

Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. Will require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events. Will require attendance at off-site meetings.

Additional Working Conditions: None

Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job.