DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Director of Communications

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Class Title

Director of Communications

Class Code

5766

Salary

$153,587.20 - $201,136.00 Annually

• Definition
• Benefits

Classification Description Summary

Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Communications Department, including citizen participation, public relations, media relations, advertising, marketing;

coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Assistant City Manager and City Manager.

The incumbent in this position is involved in the decisions of management affecting collective bargaining.

Essential Functions

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and / or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assume full management responsibility for all Communications Department services and activities including citizen participation, public relations, advertising and marketing;

recommend and administer policies and procedures.

Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies and priorities for each assigned service area;

recommend and administer policies and procedures.

Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;

allocate resources accordingly.

Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement;

direct and implement changes.

Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Communications Department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility;

review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.

Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies;

implement discipline and termination procedures.

Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies;

approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.

Provide support and advice to City departments, City Manager, City Council and the Mayor regarding internal and external communications, media relations, marketing, advertising and citizen participation.

Collaborate with City departments on neighborhood initiatives, programming, outreach and citizen engagement.

Provide staff assistance to the Assistant City Manager and City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Represent the Communications Department to other departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.

Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

Participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public relations and communications;

incorporate new developments as appropriate.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and / or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of :

Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive public or community relations program.

Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration.

Methods and techniques of strategic communication planning.

Principles, practices and aspects of media relations.

Methods and techniques of contract negotiation and administration.

Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.

Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.

Ability to :

Manage and direct a comprehensive public communications program.

Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives and procedures.

Analyze and assess programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.

Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs.

Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of lower level staff.

Delegate authority and responsibility.

Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.

Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.

Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.

Develop crisis and emergency response programs.

Develop strategic communication plans and programs to meet City needs.

Provide community outreach programs aimed at increasing citizen understanding of City operations.

Oversee marketing and advertising operations for the City.

Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.

Prepare and administer large and complex budgets.

Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.

Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.

Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.

Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be :

Education / Training :

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, political science, public relations, marketing, journalism, or a related field.

Experience :

Eight years of increasingly responsible community relations, public relations, or marketing experience including three years of management and administrative responsibility.

License or Certificate :

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment : Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to attend meetings; extensive public contact.

Exposure to computer screens and other media equipment. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends.

• Physical : Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time;
• to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and / or pull light to moderate amounts of weight;
• to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard;

to travel to different locations; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Please use this Health and Welfare Benefit Link (http : / / www.reno.gov / government / departments / human-resources / benefits) to learn more about the City of Reno's great employee benefit plans and wellness programs.

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