GovHRUSA
The City of Fayetteville, NC (pop. 208,797), seeks an experienced and strategic communications professional to serve as Director of Marketing and Communications. This position oversees City-wide public communications, including public information, media relations, marketing initiatives, community engagement, and communications during emergency or disaster situations. The Director serves as a key advisor to City leadership on the planning, development, implementation, and management of communications, marketing, media coverage, and public relations strategies.
This is an opportunity to lead the City’s comprehensive communications strategy while ensuring that messaging remains consistent, transparent, and aligned with the organization’s strategic priorities. The Director will manage the City’s brand, publications, social media platforms, and government access channel while strengthening relationships with residents, businesses, media outlets, and community organizations. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who can work across departments, support executive leadership, and ensure City initiatives, programs, and services are communicated effectively to the public.
Fayetteville, NC, is one of the most family-friendly, patriotic, and diverse communities in America. As the home to Fort Bragg, the Army’s headquarters for Airborne and Special Operations, Pope Airfield, and the Army Special Forces Command, Fayetteville proudly serves the 57,000 military personnel, 11,000 civilian employees, and 23,000 family members connected to the installation, making it one of the largest military installations in the world.
Fayetteville has an FY 2026 approved operating budget of over $315.2 million, a capital improvement plan of $94.1 million, and approximately 1,735 full-time (FTE) positions. The Marketing and Communications Department has an approved budget of $1,349,926 with 12 allocated positions.
The successful candidate will demonstrate strategic leadership, strong communication skills, and political awareness in managing public messaging and community engagement. The Director must be an effective communicator who can translate complex government initiatives into clear and accessible information for residents, stakeholders, and the media. This individual will serve as a trusted advisor to City leadership and guide messaging during both routine communications and high-profile or sensitive issues.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to build strong relationships with internal departments, community leaders, and media organizations while fostering collaboration across the organization. This role requires a professional who can anticipate communication challenges, provide thoughtful strategic guidance, and ensure the City maintains a proactive and transparent approach to communication with the public.
Responsibilities include developing and implementing the City’s strategic communications and marketing plan; managing and promoting the City brand; leading consistent messaging across social media, digital, and broadcast platforms; managing media relations and preparing City leadership for interviews and public engagement; overseeing publications, marketing materials, and presentations; managing the government access channel and televised Council meetings; leading internal communications initiatives; supervising communications staff; managing the department budget and resources; coordinating communications during emergencies or disaster situations; and building relationships with City departments, community organizations, and media outlets.
Qualifications & Experience – bachelor’s degree in public administration, marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Seven years of progressively responsible experience in public communications, public information, public relations, journalism, or related work, including experience managing communications programs. A minimum of five years of supervisory experience is required. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.
The anticipated hiring salary range for the position is $120,166 – $150,000 + DOQ/E with an excellent benefit package. If needed, a relocation allowance is negotiable. The application deadline is April 17, 2026. Candidates can apply online with a resume, cover letter, and contact information for five professional references. For more information, contact Sarah McKee, Senior Consultant, MGT at 847-380-3240 ext. 120.
The City of Fayetteville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. No applicant or employee shall be deprived of employment opportunities because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability, natural hair, hairstyle, or genetic information.
Application Deadline: April 17, 2026
Posted: 2026-03-13
To apply for this job please visit www.govhrusa.com.