Director of Communications presso City of Kerrville, TX

About the Department

This position develops, organizes and manages strategic City-wide communications efforts, including but not limited to economic development, emergency management and public safety. Functions as a consultant within the organization on communication methods and issues. Identifies and manages the dissemination of appropriate communication projects, developing communication strategies, and oversees all mediums of City communication, including website, social media networks, and printed materials. Maintains contact with the news media, prepares and disseminates press releases and announcements, arranges press conferences and serves as an information liaison for the City; identified as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO). 

Position Duties

This information is intended to be descriptive of the key responsibilities of the position.  The following examples do not identify all duties performed by any single incumbent.

1. Serve on the City’s management team and provide recommendations on communication-related matters.
2. Develop and implement goals, strategies, and plans for the City's public information efforts.
3. Monitor and maintain efficiency and effectiveness within the department.
4. Oversee the media department, including staff supervision, project direction, and resource management.
5. Manage daily operations of public information services to ensure timely and accurate communication.
6. Support the City Council, City Manager, and staff on all public information needs.
7. Provide training and guidance to City staff in media relations, public communication, news writing and design.
8. Collaborate with departments to draft and distribute press releases, website updates, brochures, and other communications to inform and engage the community.
9. Develop and monitor citizen surveys and communications for effectiveness.
10. Produce and distribute the City's monthly e-newsletter for the public and the City Manager’s Quarterly Report.
11. Serve as the City’s official spokesperson, as directed by the City Manager, for media inquiries and public statements.
12. Respond to media requests and conduct on-camera interviews as needed.
13. Serve as the Emergency Public Information Officer during the activation of the EOC (Emergency Operations Center), as directed by the City Manager.
14. Monitor media coverage daily and proactively share information about City programs, services, and initiatives.
15. Identify potential public relations challenges and help develop strategic communication responses.
16. Collaborate with department heads to communicate City events and initiatives.
17. Establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, media outlets, and professional organizations including TML and TAMIO.
18. Represent the City at community events, meetings, and functions, including serving as a speaker.
19. Establishes and maintains positive media relations
20. Create and deliver clear, consistent, and engaging messages that educate, inform, and inspire both internal and external audiences. 
21. Promote the City’s mission and vision through accessible, professional communication.
22. Oversee content for the City website, social media platforms, and other communication channels.
23. Support City departments in developing and maintaining accurate, user-friendly webpage content.
24. Supervise and manage the media staff, providing direction, support, and performance oversight to ensure high-quality content and consistent messaging.
25. Monitor social media use to ensure policies are being followed and social media is being used for appropriate City purposes.
26. Travels to attend meetings, conferences and training.
27. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work hours is essential.
28. Supervise interns assigned to the Media department.
29. Perform other duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism, multimedia, broadcast and film communication or a related field is required. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Five years of professional experience in video production, print publications, and/or website management.
• Any combination of education and experience may be considered as a substitute for a degree or years of experience.
• Possession of a valid Texas Driver’s License.
• Must be a TAMIO Certified Public Communicator or the ability to obtain within three of hire date.
• Advanced knowledge in effective communication and marketing principles and practices.
• Good knowledge of the principles, practices and methods of public communication.
• Working knowledge and skill of multi-media programming, production, print media, website development and graphic design techniques.
• Excellent project and task orientated capabilities.
• Modern complex principles and practices of communications and public relations.
• Methods and techniques of report preparation.
• Successful marketing techniques in a competitive environment.
• Ability to serve the public and fellow employees with honesty and integrity.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, statutes, regulations, codes, and standards related to the area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of City policies and procedures.
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with members of the public and co-workers.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.
• Skill in resolving customer complaints and concerns.
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
• Ability to direct and organize program activities.
• Ability to establish goals and objectives.
• Ability to plan, assign, train, and/or supervise the work of others.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Publisher, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write editorials, speeches, manuals, and reports, and to prepare and deliver effective presentations.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with the public, media, community stakeholders, and City officials.
• Ability to evaluate customer satisfaction, resolve complaints and concerns, and foster cooperative partnerships to improve services.
• Work is governed by broad instructions, objectives and policies. Requires the exercise of considerable initiative and independent analytical and evaluative judgment.
• Demonstrate professionalism in appearance and conduct in the community and at professional meetings, City Council sessions, and public events.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.

Other Qualifications

Duties are generally performed in an office setting.   Some light work requiring occasional lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds.  Must be able to sit or stand for long periods of time.  May be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry, and vision to monitor. Work may also require stooping, kneeling, crouching, bending, standing, walking, pushing, and pulling.  Driving is also a requirement of this position.