City of Racine, WI
Communications Director
City of Racine, WI, Racine, Wisconsin, United States, 53404
Salary :
$83,304.00 - $107,140.80 Annually
Location :
Racine, WI
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Number:
202400132
Department:
Mayor's Office
Opening Date:
10/11/2024
Closing Date:
11/10/2024 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
POSITION PURPOSE:The Communications Director holds a position within the City Administration, reporting directly to the City Administrator and Mayor. The position serves as the City's Chief Spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO). The position directs dissemination of comprehensive public information and messaging on a wide variety of issues.
The Communications Director directs day to day messaging and communications, leads emergency crisis communications, and ensures brand standards. The position also supports the City Administrator and Mayor with Common Council relations and incoming requests. The position is responsible for developing and implementing an equity driven city-wide communications strategy that leverages the press, social media, community involvement.Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
:Develop and implement high-impact communications strategies that ensure accuracy, clarity, and accessibility of information related to the Mayor's Administration, City of Racine operations, programs, services, concerns, issues, and interests.Elevate media relations efforts to encompass proactive and reactive approaches, fostering positive and constructive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.Spearhead media relations events and press conferences, collaborating closely with departments and divisions to showcase initiatives, services, and advancements effectively.Establish and maintain a robust network of local, regional, and national media contacts, proactively leveraging these connections to maximize positive media coverage for the city.Develop key messages and communication strategies during high-profile and sensitive issues especially related to natural disasters and public safety emergencies.Other duties and responsibilities as defined and directed by the Mayor and Common Council.ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION:Work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university.Demonstrated expertise with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in Communications/media relations, legislative or policy research, or public realtions.Valid Driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment and availability of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job.Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
:Present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a relatable and easy-to-understand fashionWrite clear, concise, effective, professional, and grammatically and factually accurate contentMake sound decisions and communicate effectively with the members of the press and public with little advance noticeWork with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences while exhibiting patience, empathy, and professionalismDevelop and maintain effective working relationships, work in an open and approachable manner with elected and appointed officials, media, members of the public, and city staff at all levelsManage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, often under tight deadlines and in a changing, complex environment; demonstrate strong organizational and management skillsResearch, analyze, and present background information on a wide variety of assigned projects, programs, and topics, relative to issues pending before the city councilAchieve desired results in the midst of changing deadlines, project requirements, or project needsMaintain strict confidentialityDisplay an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public, and other organizationsCommunicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performanceComplete assignments in a timely fashion
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken words levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
EQUIPMENT USED:Computer and keyboard, copy machine, fax machine and telephone.
This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.
The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
All full-time, non-union employees are offered a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, life insurance, a student loan repayment program, short-term disability insurance and paid leave benefits. Employees of the City of Racine may also qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the Federal Government.
For a more detailed overview of our benefits package,
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
YesNo
02
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Which describes your highest level of education?
High School DiplomaAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters DegreeNone
03
How many years of progressive experience do you have in communications/media relations, legislative or policy research, or public relations?
None1 to 2 years3 to 4 years5+ years
04
Have you worked in a public sector position before? If so, where?
Required Question
$83,304.00 - $107,140.80 Annually
Location :
Racine, WI
Job Type:
Full-Time
Job Number:
202400132
Department:
Mayor's Office
Opening Date:
10/11/2024
Closing Date:
11/10/2024 11:59 PM Central
Job Description
POSITION PURPOSE:The Communications Director holds a position within the City Administration, reporting directly to the City Administrator and Mayor. The position serves as the City's Chief Spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO). The position directs dissemination of comprehensive public information and messaging on a wide variety of issues.
The Communications Director directs day to day messaging and communications, leads emergency crisis communications, and ensures brand standards. The position also supports the City Administrator and Mayor with Common Council relations and incoming requests. The position is responsible for developing and implementing an equity driven city-wide communications strategy that leverages the press, social media, community involvement.Essential Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
:Develop and implement high-impact communications strategies that ensure accuracy, clarity, and accessibility of information related to the Mayor's Administration, City of Racine operations, programs, services, concerns, issues, and interests.Elevate media relations efforts to encompass proactive and reactive approaches, fostering positive and constructive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets.Spearhead media relations events and press conferences, collaborating closely with departments and divisions to showcase initiatives, services, and advancements effectively.Establish and maintain a robust network of local, regional, and national media contacts, proactively leveraging these connections to maximize positive media coverage for the city.Develop key messages and communication strategies during high-profile and sensitive issues especially related to natural disasters and public safety emergencies.Other duties and responsibilities as defined and directed by the Mayor and Common Council.ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION:Work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).Qualifications
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university.Demonstrated expertise with a minimum of five years of progressive experience in Communications/media relations, legislative or policy research, or public realtions.Valid Driver's license at time of hire and throughout employment and availability of a properly insured vehicle for use on the job.Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
:Present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a relatable and easy-to-understand fashionWrite clear, concise, effective, professional, and grammatically and factually accurate contentMake sound decisions and communicate effectively with the members of the press and public with little advance noticeWork with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences while exhibiting patience, empathy, and professionalismDevelop and maintain effective working relationships, work in an open and approachable manner with elected and appointed officials, media, members of the public, and city staff at all levelsManage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, often under tight deadlines and in a changing, complex environment; demonstrate strong organizational and management skillsResearch, analyze, and present background information on a wide variety of assigned projects, programs, and topics, relative to issues pending before the city councilAchieve desired results in the midst of changing deadlines, project requirements, or project needsMaintain strict confidentialityDisplay an attitude of cooperation and work harmoniously with all levels of city employees, the general public, and other organizationsCommunicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performanceComplete assignments in a timely fashion
Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling, lifting and repetitive motions; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken words levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
EQUIPMENT USED:Computer and keyboard, copy machine, fax machine and telephone.
This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.
The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
All full-time, non-union employees are offered a robust benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision benefits, participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, life insurance, a student loan repayment program, short-term disability insurance and paid leave benefits. Employees of the City of Racine may also qualify for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) through the Federal Government.
For a more detailed overview of our benefits package,
01
Do you have a valid driver's license?
YesNo
02
This position requires a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Which describes your highest level of education?
High School DiplomaAssociates DegreeBachelors DegreeMasters DegreeNone
03
How many years of progressive experience do you have in communications/media relations, legislative or policy research, or public relations?
None1 to 2 years3 to 4 years5+ years
04
Have you worked in a public sector position before? If so, where?
Required Question