Joliet, IL – Media Engagement and Communications Director

TITLE: Media Engagement and Communications Director

JOB CODE: 1008
DEP/DIV:  City Manager
ESTABLISHED: 03/2024
REPORTS TO: City Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
EMPLOYEE STATUS: Permanent/Full-time
LOCATION: City Hall
SALARY/GRADE: $111,000 – $183,341

Classification 2/Group II
GENERAL PURPOSE

The Director of Media Engagement & Communications identifies, develops, recommends, and implements media outreach efforts for the City of Joliet, is a key member of the City’s leadership and management team, and leads the City of Joliet’s overall communications strategy.

Duties include but are not limited to protecting and enhancing the image of the City by overseeing public relations, media relations, crisis communications, internal and external communications, and social media/community functions.

Functions as the City’s spokesperson and works with the City Manager, Mayor, City Council, City department heads, community members, and community organizations to respond, develop and implement a communications strategy to share information and increase awareness of the City’s goals to both internal and external constituents.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Media Engagement and Communications:

·         Provides leadership and direction related to the execution of internal and external communication strategies that align with the City’s strategic plan and ensure integration throughout the organization. Assess and consider the implications of proposed actions on the organization and make appropriate decisions/recommendations.

·         Manages media relationships. Leads outreach to print, radio, television, and online news media interviews and requests including serving as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.

·         Drafts and edits press releases, speeches, public remarks, opinion pieces, fact sheets, and talking points.

·         Proposes, plans, coordinates, and executes press conferences, media briefings, and other forums for media engagement.

·         Creates communication plans to manage emerging issues or crises; coordinates and activates crisis communication as needed.

·         Maintains a current distribution list of media officials covering City.

·         Provides support and advice on communication matters to City leadership and colleagues as requested.

·         Oversees all content for City website, social media sites, and digital communications to maintain comprehensive and proactive social media presence aligned with overall communication goals and strategies. Monitors news and social media for City-related communications and develops responses; relays community feedback and engagement trends to elected officials, staff, and project leaders.

Publications:

·         Oversees development and publishing of all City publications such as quarterly newsletter; issue papers, reports, brochures, posters, flyers, and other promotional materials.

·         Draft and edit materials to ensure consistency in messaging.

·         Coordinate with the City’s Economic Development Department or related agency, to develop and execute marketing programs aimed at enhancing the City’s profile for business attraction, retention, and redevelopment purposes.

Other Duties:

·         Serve as liaison for JCTV Channel 6.

·         Develop and maintain relationships with City leadership, and department heads; respond to inquiries from the public, other local governments, and community organizations.

·         Evaluate the City’s current use of communications and marketing strategies and making recommendations as to the extent of their utilization.

·         Responsible for auditing, data analyzing, and reporting on communication efforts to determine overall success of initiative effectiveness and actionable insights.

·         Serve as the City Public Information Officer in emergencies or during critical issues with availability to all media outlets.

·         Attend meetings of the City Council, City Manager’s Office and other City meetings as requested. Represent the City at community meetings and events upon request.

·         Perform other duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITES

·         Requires the ability to acquire a working knowledge of the rules and regulations governing

·         Requires considerable knowledge of the principles, techniques, and methods of media/public relations, marketing, and communications.

·         Requires knowledge of the processes and equipment used in the design and preparation of multimedia graphics, brochures, and visual aids.

·         Requires knowledge of advertising and publicity techniques.

·         Requires knowledge of best practices for researching, preparing, and disseminating public

·         information.

·         Thorough knowledge of government policies specifically related to strategic planning, organizing, directing and coordinating local government operations.

·         Staff Leadership: Strong people manager with a track record of leading teams around a vision and through organizational change. Proven ability to structure, attract, develop, and retain a diverse, cohesive, goal-oriented, and successful team. Has a high-level strategic perspective, yet willing to roll up their sleeves when necessary.

·         Relationship Building and Collaboration: Ability to listen deeply, cultivate connections, break down silos, foster collaboration, and build a culture of trust within the division, across the organization, and with external stakeholders. Ability to establish credibility and trust with diverse constituencies.

·         Demonstrable interest in working with others towards common goals.

·         achieving goals.

·         Technology: Knowledge of current trends and practices related to the use if technology in municipal auditing and related activities.

·         Ability to attend events on weekends and after hours as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

·         Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in English, Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field

·         Five (5) years’ experience in journalism, public relations, or communications, preferably in   local government, not-for-profit, or public organization. including in a supervisory, or management capacity.

·         Experience with City operations, particularly municipal government.

·         Experience in crisis management and communications.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Valid Class D driver’s license.

TOOL AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer including office suite, design and publishing applications, iPad, smart phone, calculator, telephone, and any other tools of the trade that may come into common use or be necessary to perform need tasks.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work is generally performed in an office environment and includes occasional site visits to other businesses.  The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet, except for office equipment background noises; subject to frequent interruptions by telephone callers and walk-in visitors.  Occasional evening and weekend hours to meet deadlines; may travel to various City locations to participate in presentations and/or meetings.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.