Listing Summary

The City of Lilburn is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Communications Director. This senior-level staff position is responsible for city-wide strategic communications and media relations.  The role promotes public confidence and leads efforts to build and sustain meaningful relationships with community members, organizations, and stakeholders. The candidate will develop strategies to enhance community participation and engagement, foster collaboration, and raise awareness of initiatives. A passion for community building, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of creating impactful programs are essential. This position reports to the City Manager as a member of the Executive Team. The events team reports to the Communications Director.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement and communication strategies that align with the organization's mission and goals.
• Relationship Building: To broaden outreach and impact, establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, local government entities, and other stakeholders.
• Program Development: Create and oversee community programs, events, and initiatives that promote engagement and address community needs including Leadership Lilburn and a robust volunteer program for the city.
• Budgeting: Develop and manage the annual operating budget for Communications Department for community engagement, communications, and events to ensure financial resources are allocated effectively, and projects are completed within budget.
• Special Events: Plan and execute special community events that foster engagement and collaboration. Oversee logistics, promotion, and participant involvement to ensure successful outcomes.
• Advocacy and Outreach: Advocate for the needs and interests of community members, ensuring their voices are heard and included in organizational planning and decision-making processes.
• Community Engagement: Develop and implement community engagement activities in coordination with other city departments for a variety of initiatives such as comprehensive plan updates.
• Communication and Marketing: Craft communication strategies to effectively convey the organization's mission and programs through various channels, including social media, newsletters, and community events. Ensure accurate content for social media platforms. Oversee the management of digital communications and the maintenance of the city website.
• Data and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate community engagement efforts, using data to measure impact and inform future strategies. Measure the effectiveness of all communication initiatives.
• Leadership: Lead and manage the communications team, providing guidance and support for successful program execution. The communications team includes key staff from other departments such as the website developer in IT and public outreach in Police. Make recommendations for improvements in communication and outreach efforts.
• Representation: Serve as a representative of the City of Lilburn and the City Manager's office with key community groups, non-profits, and other partners. Present content and updates to various stakeholder meetings and ensure timely information dissemination from the City Manager's office; attend all meetings of the City Council and the Downtown Development Authority.
• Documentation and Reporting: Document the city's progress towards achieving strategic goals and milestones, report findings to the executive team, write comprehensive reports and present findings to stakeholders.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of marketing, advertising, and communications principles and strategies
• Knowledge of research, statistical analysis, and report preparation principles
• Knowledge of budget development and management principles and practices
• Ability to develop and implement an effective communications plan
• Ability to exercise judgment in the release of information
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Ability to coordinate and manage a number of projects and staff simultaneously using effective time management and problem-solving techniques
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignment with minimal direction
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends as necessary
• Skill in management and supervision
• Skill in problem solving
• Skill in prioritizing and planning
• Skill in interpersonal relations
• Skill in oral and written communication

Supervisory Controls:

The City Manager provides general instructions, while the position oversees and implements major communication programs and reports progress to the executive team.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The role typically involves office work with community engagement, requiring mobility for events and meetings. The candidate must be available on call 24/7.

Minimum Qualifications:

• At least 7 years of experience in a professional role required to provide information to the public through a variety of methods and routinely engage with the public; and
• At least 7 years of experience in a managerial role in a local government organization with a Council-Manager form of government; and
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia.