Job Description

The Communications Director serves as a key member of the City's leadership team, reporting directly to the City Manager and providing advice on all aspects of citywide communications, branding, and marketing. This strategic and visionary role is responsible for leading, directing, and administering the full scope of the City's internal and external communications strategies and initiatives. The Director drives the strategic planning, development, and execution of integrated and comprehensive communications initiatives that are aligned with the City's goals to enhance public trust and foster community engagement. Responsibilities include overseeing internal and external messaging, managing public and media relations, leading crisis communication efforts, coordinating public records responses, and guiding the creation of high-quality multimedia content across television, digital, and social media platforms. The Communications Director ensures that all messaging is timely, accurate, and strategically aligned to inform, educate, and connect with diverse audiences across the city. Serves as a key advisor to the City Manager, elected officials and department leadership on strategic messaging, reputational risk, public perception, and communication priorities to support informed decision-making. Annually evaluates the City’s communications messaging, approaches and priorities to develop and execute a comprehensive citywide communications strategy that effectively conveys City initiatives, programs, and achievements to internal and external audiences. Partners with department directors to embed strategic communications within operational planning and program delivery, ensuring that messaging is proactive, timely, and tailored to engage diverse internal and external audiences effectively. Supervises, mentors, and evaluates the performance of professional and technical staff. Oversees content development, editing, and strategic distribution across multiple platforms, including television, print, digital, and social media, to enhance outreach, inform the public, and strengthen the City's image. Leads internal communications and employee engagement strategies to align staff with City priorities, foster a positive culture, and improve morale and service delivery. Prepares and manages the department's annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fiscal responsibility. Provides guidance and oversight to communications personnel embedded within other City departments. Serves as the City's primary media spokesperson; builds and maintains media relationships; and establishes standardized protocols to ensure fair, timely, and consistent media engagement. Ensures communication strategies are inclusive, culturally competent, and accessible to diverse audiences, including those with limited English proficiency and individuals with disabilities. Partners with departments to promote equitable messaging. Anticipates emerging issues and leads the development of proactive communication strategies, including crisis communication plans and rapid-response messaging. Supports public safety departments during press briefings and emergency communications. Stays informed of emerging trends, tools, and technologies in public communications. Recommends and implements new solutions to enhance citizen engagement and streamline communication processes. Designs and supports two-way communication initiatives, including community listening sessions, surveys, and forums to build trust, gather feedback, and improve civic engagement. Leads research and evaluation of communications using data, performance metrics, and public feedback to guide strategic improvements and apply industry best practices. Oversees the operation and improvement of the City's Government Access Channel to broaden civic engagement. Upholds high standards of transparency, ethical communication, and accountability in all public messaging. Ensures compliance with legal standards and industry codes of conduct. Performs related duties as required . May work non-traditional hours as may be required to support critical city operations. The position is mission critical. Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Mass Communications, Public Relations, or a related field from an accredited institution. Eight (8) years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, or media/public relations, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory or managerial role.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must submit a portfolio at the time of application. The portfolio must include three examples of work, each demonstrating a different communication method. Submissions should showcase a variety of formats such as visual, audio, text-based, or interactive media. Examples of acceptable combinations include: A crisis communications plan presented in video format A social media campaign using visual content A marketing piece designed as an interactive tool If you are unable to upload your portfolio with your application, please submit it via email to Cindy.Marsh@lakelandgov.net . Portfolios that do not meet these criteria may not be considered. Please clearly label each piece and indicate its format and intended purpose.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver's license. Comprehensive understanding of public relations, media relations, marketing, journalism, social media, and broadcast media practices. Understanding of local government functions, including council-manager relationships, budgeting processes, and regulatory constraints. Strong familiarity with Florida Sunshine Laws, public records compliance, and municipal policies and procedures. Familiarity with best practices and protocols for managing emergency communication, including coordination with public safety and agencies. Proficiency in using communication platforms, including government access television, web content management systems, social media scheduling and analytic tools, email distribution tools, and print media. Knowledge of community demographics and strategic communication methods to reach diverse audiences. Skilled at crafting messages to support organizational change, policy shifts, or leadership transitions. Capable of representing the City at public meetings, press conferences, and community events with poise and clarity. Strong editorial skills, with the ability to write, edit, and produce high-quality content for varied formats and audiences. Comfortable using data dashboards, survey results, and social listening to evaluate impact and adjust strategies. Skilled in developing communication plans, conducting interviews, and delivering effective presentations. Excellent interpersonal and media relations abilities with a professional and diplomatic communication style. Proven leadership and supervisory capabilities that foster team development and high morale. Ability to manage confidential information and maintain professional discretion. Ability to manage complex projects involving cross-departmental collaboration, vendors, and deadlines. Ability to identify and implement new communication tools or platforms that improve public engagement. Ability to recognize the sensitivities of working in a public environment and communicate in a way that supports elected officials without being political. Ability to craft messages that are not only informative but also emotionally resonant and community aware. Ability to translate City priorities into actionable communication plans and timelines. Ability to build strong working relationships with internal staff, elected officials, external partners, and the general public.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Primarily sedentary work with occasional walking or standing; may require lifting or moving objects up to 10 pounds. Regular use of computers and standard office equipment. Minimal exposure to environmental hazards. Requires normal visual acuity, hearing, speech, and sensory perception. All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced. THE CITY OF LAKELAND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/EQUAL ACCESS EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Job Tags

Work at office, Local area, Shift work,

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