Director of Communications

The purpose of this position is to develop, direct and implement the comprehensive communication strategies aligned with the City’s goals and mission. This role is essential in shaping and maintaining the City’s public image, responsible for managing internal and external messaging, and fostering strong relationships with media and stakeholders. This role oversees media relations, public information, branding, digital engagement, and crisis communications to ensure consistent, transparent, and strategic messaging that supports organizational priorities and builds public trust.

This class works under administrative supervision, developing and implementing programs within organizational policies and reports major activities to executive level administrators through conferences and reports.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as the advisor to executive leadership and elected officials on matters of press/media relations, public perception and general communication.
• Leads long-term branding and reputation management initiatives.
• Establishes messaging framework to ensure consistency across all departments.
• Directs communication during emergencies and critical incidents in coordination with Emergency Management and Public Safety.
• Develops and maintains crisis communication plans and protocols.
• Ensures timely, accurate and coordinated messaging across all platforms during incidents.
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates, assigns and reviews work and establishes work schedules; maintains standards; monitors status of work in progress; inspects completed work assignments; answers questions; gives advice and direction as needed.
• Oversee the management of the department budget.
• Oversee the creation of press releases, speeches, reports, and other written materials ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Demonstrate proactive leadership about shaping narratives that enhances organizational reputation through innovative communication strategies.
• Manage public speaking engagements and represents the City at industry events.
• Manage media relations by cultivating relationships with various media outlets.
• Directs public outreach and marketing efforts, develops relationships within the community.
• Manages crisis communications, and the City's public image.
• Oversee social media efforts by creating engaging content, monitoring platforms, and analyzing engagement metrics.
• Arranges for and conducts public-contact programs designed to meet the City’s objectives, utilizing knowledge of changing attitudes and opinions of Citizens, employees, or other interest groups.
• Supports departments’ messaging of services by providing guidance on communication best practices to ensure message consistency.
• Collaborate with internal and external partnerships in planning and executing strategic and high-profile events.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science or similar relevant field.
• Seven (7) years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• At least four (4) years of experience in a director/leadership role within the industry.
• Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of public relations, journalism, or related fields.
• Knowledge in the use of general office functions, office equipment, billing procedures, filing and basic accounting.
• Knowledge of computer software and programming.
• Knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet related software.
• Excellent writing skills with proficiency in AP style and editing techniques. Strong research abilities to support strategic messaging initiatives.
• Exceptional public speaking skills suitable for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated expertise in media relations, social media management, and marketing strategies.
• Skill in prioritizing work assignments.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure.
• Ability to update current administrative processes and procedures.
• Ability to communicate and deal effectively with the public, City Officials, and other City employees.
• Ability to train or advise City personnel in related tasks and activities.
• Ability to prepare and process purchase orders and maintain inventory.
• Ability to make budget recommendations and manage the budget.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

WORK HOURS
Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City).

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.

Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

Applications to the City of Deerfield Beach are reviewed as received. Early application is encouraged, as this posting may close at any time.