Director of Communications and External Affairs

Parks & Recreation 

Director of Communication and External Affairs

Posting Expires: February 7, 2025 

Salary Range: $94,000 - $124,925/annually

General Description

The Director of Communications and External Affairs for the Department of Parks and Recreation reports to the Deputy Commissioner of Administration, Strategy & Innovation and is responsible for supporting the Commissioner in the implementation of the Department Parks and Recreation’s vision, mission, core values and strategic plans. The Director of Communications and External Affairs is responsible for direct oversight of the Division of Communications and External Affairs and will supervise a team of staff responsible for managing internal and external communications, marketing, media, community engagement and other special projects in partnership with the Commissioner’s Office, and the Offices of Parks, Park Design, Partnerships and Enterprise and Recreation.  The Director will also coordinate activities with other City departments and agencies.

The Director will effectively and efficiently manage high level communications, marketing strategies and operations for the Department of Parks and Recreation and provide overall communication, marketing and engagement support including, but not limited to internal communications, external communications with key stakeholders (i.e., media, social media, press, elected officials, community partners and residents). This role will be tasked with designing new media strategies that go beyond traditional press interactions in order to ensure that the department is communicating clearly and routinely with its key stakeholders. 

The incumbent must be able to build strong partnerships within the Department to foster a collaborative environment for both staff and the leadership team. Similarly, the Director will be positioned to develop strong working relationships with other City departments, the Mayor’s Office, and external partners to ensure the Department delivers the best outcomes for the City of Atlanta.  The Director is expected to exercise considerable judgement in supervising, coordinating, and monitoring the work of staff assigned to the Division. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. 

Communication and External Affairs Team Leadership and Operations Oversight

• Provides for the executive management of all DPR activities related to communications and community relations, marketing of department programs and facilities, engagement of neighbors in strategic initiatives.
• Lead the development and implementation of a high-level communication strategy for the department, in alignment with the departments ActivateATL Strategic Plan.  
• Lead development and implementation of a marketing strategy by working closely with staff, managers, residents, creatives, content providers, and distribution partners to create effective plans focused on growing the audience and participation in DPR programs and services.
• Explore, execute, and coordinate key communication functions for DPR with the Mayor’s Office of Communications including identifying media opportunities for DPR and Commissioner, overseeing media platforms, creating marketing materials, hosting community convenings, and internal and external communication tools to increase awareness of DPR.
• Support the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, and office leadership with the design and implementation of core communication practices.
• Lead the ongoing growth and development of systems and structures to organize and manage the day-today operations of the Communications and Community Affairs team with a focus on streamlining communication and external affairs related operations.  
• Assists direct reports in preparing strategies to meet Departmental goals and objectives as outlined in the DPR ActivateATL Strategic Plan and community need.
• Lead the ongoing improvement process of the communication strategy to support the shifting needs on the department, focused on providing quality services to residents.
• Serve as direct owner or lead for a portfolio of high-priority communications and external relations including preparing presentations, council sessions, media advisories, etc.

Internal Organizational Communications Strategy and Implementation

• Lead and co-design communications strategy for the internal departmental offices and stakeholders including staff, supervisors, senior leadership, and the Commissioner.
• Maintain strong relationships with Senior Leadership to inform ongoing refinement/continuous improvement of the department’s communication strategy.
• Provides strategy and communication recommendations to the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioners.
• Ensure relevant methods of communication are leveraged to maximize engagement for internal stakeholders based upon the needs of the group, differentiating engagement and outreach methods, as required.

Media Relations and Intergovernmental Communications

• Serve as the department’s Public Information Officer (PIO), coordinating and responding directly to inquiries from the media, press, elected officials, etc. 
• Connect and build partnerships with relevant partners in media to ensure the department is considered for features/to support the department securing relevant placements.
• Directly pitch to raise the visibility of the department in media (print and digital), when needed - Support the project management of refinement of pieces for placement, as secured; Ensure that all pieces are aligned with/accurately reflect the department and the Mayor’s mission/values and approach.
• Conduct other relationship management and related logistics with media panthers, as needed.
• Ensure relevant methods of communication are leveraged to maximize engagement for local government stakeholders based upon the needs of the group, differentiating outreach methods, as required.
• Lead the co-design and implementation of a communications strategy for media and government specific external stakeholders, including media representatives (social, television, print), governmental leaders/offices and other stakeholders, as required in collaboration with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Senior leadership, and other department staff who serve as primary relationship holders with those external media outlets and government officials.

Community Engagement strategy and Implementation

• Lead the co-design and implementation of a communications strategy for non-government, community based external stakeholders, including community-based organizations, community leaders/offices and their staffs, neighborhood planning units and other stakeholders, as required in collaboration with the Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners, Senior leadership, and other department staff who serve as primary relationship holders with those external partners and organizations.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities 

• Comprehensive knowledge of the modern principles of communication, marketing, media, community affairs and community engagement as they apply to local government administration.
• Proven ability to plan and lead the communication, community affairs, marketing, and engagement, functions, and activities of a complex organization.
• Must be creative and must demonstrate exceptional presentation, writing, and communication development skills so that messages are communicated effectively.
• Ability to direct and implement strategies for improved internal and external communications.
• Ability to lead, direct, mentor, organize and effectively communicate with individuals to accomplish goals consistent with strategic business plans.
• Ability to lead and direct a large complex organization in which internal customer service is essential to the organization’s success.
• Ability to lead by example to exemplify the Department’s core values of teamwork, customer centricity, integrity, and employee commitment-ensuring that all employees are recognized, respected, appreciated, and valued equally in the Department of Parks and Recreation to deliver the highest quality of service.
• Ability to develop and implement long term-plans and programs and to evaluate work accomplishments.
• Ability to build and sustain a collaborative, high performing team culture.
• Ability to thoroughly understand and respond to the results of all audits and performance reviews.
• Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within and outside the City, with State officials, local elected officials, employees, and the general public.
•  Ability to build partnerships with stakeholders internal and external to the organization and at the local, county, state, and federal levels.
• Ability to analyze facts and exercise sound judgement in arriving at conclusions.
• Ability to present facts, recommendations, and directives effectively in verbal and written form.
• Ability to provide direct supervision of high-performing staff and leadership to others.
• Ability to listen, communicate effectively and speak persuasively with individuals, groups, and stakeholders.
• Ability to make decisions that are equity-centered, fair, and impartial.
• Ability to promote a culture of innovation, service, and value.