Listing Summary

Chain of Command/ Reports To:

Through the Chain of Command to the Chief Information Officer.

Job Summary:

Communications Director will lead the City of Winder’s internal and external communication efforts.
This individual is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to effectively convey the City’s vision, initiatives, and achievements to a wide range of audiences.
The role demands a strategic thinker with exceptional leadership qualities and the ability to foster relationships with media, community organizations, and the public.

Essential Duties and Functions:

• Develops and oversees the implementation of the City’s communication strategy, including media relations, digital presence, and community engagement.
• Lead and manage the communications team to achieve excellence in public relations, content creation, social media, and event promotion, creative direction, and marketing.
• Will serve as liaison between City of Winder and local civic groups along with the Chamber of Commerce.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the City, handling all media inquiries and public communications.
• Collaborate with City departments to ensure consistent and effective messaging across all platforms.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and initiatives, adapting as necessary to meet the City’s goals.
  Create and manage department’s annual budget.
• Oversees and implements updates to City’s official website, style, and branding guidelines along with City-wide branding initiatives.
• Work with City’s Chief Information Officer, City Administrator, and/or Mayor and Council to create and deliver quality communication campaigns that inform and engage constituents.

Knowledge, Skills, and Ability:

• Knowledge of communications and journalism principles and practices.
• Knowledge of various media and their effectiveness in communicating to the public.
• Knowledge of graphic design elements, printing processes, and layout/production techniques.
• Knowledge of and proficiency in computer applications, such as desktop publishing, graphics design, presentations, and the Internet.
• Ability to write, develop, prepare, and edit effective communication and promotional materials; and must be able to develop and deliver effective public presentations.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
• Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.
• Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.
• Excellent strategic organization skills
• Ability to use tact and professionalism including in times of extreme stress
• Ability to think creatively
• Ability to adapt and respond to difficult questions and issues.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

As a condition of employment, the employee will be required to obtain and maintain job related licenses and certifications as specified by the supervisor. The employee will be provided a reasonable timeframe to obtain licenses and certification.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field; Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a senior communications role, with demonstrated success in managing a team.
• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and creative problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proficient in digital communication technologies and social media platforms.
• Never been convicted of a felony.
• A citizen of the Unites States or has obtained legal work status.
• Work evenings, weekends and/or holidays as required.
• Must be able to pass a credit check.

Physical Requirements:

The work is sedentary to light which requires the ability to exert light physical effort, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks also require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Working Conditions:

• This position works primarily in an indoor office environment. Work is regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee works in an environment under constant deadlines and will interact with City employees and vendors.
• This position may require that the employee wear and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment such as, but not limited to, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, or other specified safety attire and equipment in designated areas of risk. The work environment may also contain uneven surfaces, confined space entry, or elevated heights.
• This position is designated as an emergency position that requires the employee to work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, technology systems failure, public safety concerns, forced evacuations or as determined by the City Administrator.
• Exposures Encountered: While performing job duties, the employee may be exposed to dust, cleaning fumes, household chemicals, allergens, pathogenic microbes, and other items found in an office environment.
• Noise Level: Moderate. While assisting with installing outdoor equipment the employee may be exposed to loud noise.
• Travel: Some travel may be required to maintain training requirements and to obtain supplies and equipment for the City. Overnight travel is limited to training.

Substance Abuse Testing:

Due to the safety and/or security sensitive nature of this position, individuals shall be subject to pre-employment/pre-placement and random alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing as outlined in both City and department policies and procedures.
While actively employed in this position, any positive alcohol, drug, and/or controlled substance testing may result in termination.

Supervisory Controls/Responsibility:

This position is responsible for the management of department personnel and the oversight of the operational functions of the department.