Director of Communications

Position: Communications Director

Department: Communications

Employment Status: Permanent Full Time Exempt

Schedule: Monday-Thursday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm

Compensation: Grade 12; Salary starting at $65147.50

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Communications Director oversees the Communications Office for the City of Morgantown. The Communications Director advises, coordinates, and assists in the development, production, and implementation of internal and external communications of the city. Develops, implements, and evaluates marketing, branding and other integrated communication plans, campaigns and procedures using communication strategies and theories. 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 affairs initiatives. Develops and implements communications policies and procedures using various strategies and theories. Work is typically varied and includes significant inter and intra governmental 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

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

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Integrated Marketing Communications, Digital Marketing Communications or a related field.
• Experience working in government affairs or public policy communications highly desired.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES – KNOWLEDGE – SKILLS – ABILITIES

• Plan and direct communication activities including media relations, social media, digital media, employee communications, crisis communications, and marketing.
• 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 and moderates the city’s Zoom accounts for the use of remote public meetings.
• 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 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;
• 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.
• Direct the preparation of graphics compositions and layouts;
• 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; and
• Performs related work as required.

• Proficiency in AP-Style grammar;
• Excellent knowledge of English grammar use, composition, and research and editing techniques;
• Extensive knowledge of design, editing and printing techniques;
• Extensive knowledge of web-based Content Management Systems;
• Extensive Knowledge of various social media platforms;
• Extensive knowledge of public relations and marketing theories and best practices;
• Exceptional organization skills and ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests while working effectively in a team environment;
• Knowledge of brand and reputation management best practices;
• Knowledge of media relations and building relationships with local members of the press;
• Knowledge of federal, state and local government relationships as they relate to the mission and operations of the City;
• Knowledge of elected official roles and responsibilities;
• Knowledge of local, state and federal legislative process; and
• Knowledge of the organization and programs of the City of Morgantown;

• Ability to coordinate public information and media relations during emergency management situations;
• 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 and manage web content using a variety of content management systems;
• Ability to create, implement, manage and evaluate marketing and public relations campaigns;
• Ability to facilitate and successfully participate in conferences and meetings;
• Ability to operate a personal computer;
• 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 understand and work with the Morgantown City Charter, City Code and West Virginia State Code;
• Ability to operate a professional digital camera and camcorder;
• Ability to effectively photograph and take video of individuals, places and events;
• 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 organize and present a variety of informational and promotional materials in a clear, concise and appealing format;
• Ability to operate office equipment such as: fax, copier, scanner, etc.;
• Ability to gather information through research, observation and/or interview;
• Ability to work effectively with local media;
• Ability to implement and manage City brand identity;
• Ability to measure and report goals met and ROI;
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Skilled in effective public speaking; and
• 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.

The physical demands described here 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 functions.

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.
• Equipment may include but is not limited to the items listed below.
• Camcorder
• DSLR Camera
• Computer/Laptop
• Video Server
• Audio/Video equipment
• vMix Video Production Software
• DaVinci Audio Software
• Zoom and Zoom Rooms

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 which includes but is not limited to the Marketing Coordinator & Communication Specialist.
• This position works under the direction of the City Manager & Assistant City Manager.

To see full job description please follow the link below.

https://www.morgantownwv.gov/DocumentCenter/View/5071/Director-of-Communications—CoM

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,147.50 – $70,407.73 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 4×10

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Morgantown, WV 26505: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location