Director of Communications

City Of Minneapolis - Human Resources Director of Communications Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Position Description: The Director of Communications leads the Communications Department, which is tasked with all external and internal communications for the 17 City departments housed within the Office of Public Service. The position collaborates routinely on communications work with the Office of Community Safety, Office of City Attorney, Office of the Mayor, Office of City Clerk, and the Office of City Auditor. The Director manages staff members who produce a wide range of internal and external written and digital communications products for the City and oversees media relations, strategic communications, social media, crisis communications, government access broadcasts, franchise negotiations, public access multimedia vendor contracts, and consumer complaint resolution. The Director is responsible for developing and administering the Department's operating budget and executing the organization's overall communications strategy. The Director works across teams to advance priority initiatives including the City's cultural-media programming, Elections and Voter Services work, and paid marketing efforts. This highly dynamic and strategic position is critical to the Office of Public Service's mission to deliver high-quality programs, initiatives, and services to employees, residents, businesses, and visitors in Minneapolis. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Lead a team of strategic communications and multimedia professionals. Provide direction and strategy for all communications programs and projects housed within the Office of Public Service to achieve major City goals. Guide and manage the annual Communications Department editorial calendar coordinating timely and strategic delivery of priority announcements, messages, and storytelling. Guide media relations management to drive headlines, raise awareness around City initiatives, and deliver information to more Minneapolis residents, business owners, and visitors. Oversee digital communications, including citywide social media, e-newsletters, and website content, growing the reach of the City's digital platforms. Work with City leadership to ensure cohesion and coordination across the enterprise's communications function. Develop, implement, and monitor performance metrics across media relations, digital platforms, multimedia services, and strategic communications efforts. Manage various public affairs vendor contracts, visual design and brand standards, social media policy, and multimedia services contracts. Lead crisis communications for the Office of Public Service; administer the City's Joint Information Center during emergencies alongside the communications team in the Office of Community Safety. Build communications plans with leaders across the City enterprise, including the Mayor's Office and the Office of Community Safety, Office of City Attorney, Office of City Clerk, and Office of City Auditor. Provide executive communications support to the City Operations Officer and Deputy City Operations Officer for Communications & Engagement as needed. Manage government cable access and related activities, including consumer complaint resolution. Support multi-million-dollar franchise renewal negotiations. Plan and administer the annual department budget. Required Qualifications: Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, or a closely related field. Minimum Experience: Five years experience directing a comprehensive communications program in a complex organization or eight to ten years experience in a large market media position with a strategic planning component, which has included budget and staff management. Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be further considered for the position. Union Representation: This position is not represented by a bargaining unit. This is an appointed position. Interview Selection: The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of communications, media, and public affairs. Commitment to equity and language access in communication protocols. Considerable knowledge of public sector values and efforts to streamline and improve services. Experience in change management and organizational analysis. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Good knowledge of the internal workings of large complex municipal organizations. Experience managing a team of staff members in a political environment. Good critical thinking, problem solving, strategic analysis, and planning and implementation skills. Excellent leadership and personnel management skills. Strong interpersonal skills. Good budget management and organizational skills. Ability to persuade and influence to achieve desired outcomes and build support for initiatives across departments. As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated, and innovative employees. The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. J-18808-Ljbffr