Communications Director – City Council

The City will ONLY accept applications here: https://jobs.providenceri.gov/2024/07/03/communications-director/

Communications Director – City Council

Job Type: Non-UnionJob Posting: COP-00138-23

Salary: $97,934 – $114,564

Job Grade Level: A22 – A24

Department: City Council

The City of Providence welcomes and encourages diversity in our workforce at all levels of the organization. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit hiring discrimination of any type. All City hiring decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

PLEASE NOTE:
All persons employed by the City of Providence are required to have achieved a fully vaccinated status against the COVID-19 virus. “Fully vaccinated status” shall be defined as having received the full number of doses required to complete the vaccination series of one of the currently recognized COVID-19 vaccines. Proof of vaccination completion will be required before beginning employment with the City.

Job Summary

The Communications Director is a key member of the Providence City Council leadership team, responsible for managing the Council’s communications strategy across multiple platforms. This role involves media relations, digital communications, policy messaging, event promotion, and staff supervision. The Communications Director will ensure effective communication of the Council’s initiatives and policies to the public and stakeholders, supporting all 15 councilors.

Duties & Responsibilities

include but are not limited to the following:

• Media Relations:
• Develop and maintain relationships with press and media contacts.
• Organize press conferences and prepare press releases, media advisories, and other communications materials.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews and public appearances with council members.
• Digital Communications:
• Manage the Council’s email communications and social media platforms.
• Develop and implement digital strategies to enhance engagement and public awareness.
• Monitor social media channels and respond to public inquiries.
• Work with councilors and council staff to source content.
• Policy Messaging:
• Assist in crafting compelling and effective messaging on progressive policies, with a particular focus on transformative housing policy.
• Collaborate with council members to develop and refine key messages and talking points.
• Event Staffing and Promotion:
• Coordinate and promote events for all 15 councilors, ensuring effective communication and public engagement.
• Manage logistics and staffing for events, including promotion and on-site coordination, in collaboration with the events coordinator, schedulers, and constituent services team.
• Staff Supervision:
• Supervise the communications staff, currently consisting of a communications coordinator, with potential to grow.
• Recruit and supervise interns as desired.
• Provide guidance, mentorship, and performance evaluations for communications staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Proven experience in media relations, digital communications, and messaging development.
• Deep commitment to progressive values and transformative policy change.
• Experience with social media management and digital strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks effectively and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Supervisory experience is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to perform all essential functions of the job as defined.
• Willingness to work nights and weekends when necessary.

Posting expires when position is filled.

The City will ONLY accept applications here: https://jobs.providenceri.gov/2024/07/03/communications-director/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $97,934.00 - $114,564.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Writing skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Providence, RI (Required)

Work Location: In person