Chief Communications Officer

Summary

Responsible for the development and strategic outcomes of the marketing and communications operations and programs with emphasis on Integrated Communications, Public Relations, Government Relations, and Education Strategies. Provide highly responsible and complex support in coordination of Citywide services and activities with internal and external stakeholders.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Develop and implement branding and marketing strategies to positively position City of Denton as a dynamic, diverse, and growing community; analyze research and relevant data to identify best practices, align policies and prioritize resources.
• Serve as a media and public liaison for timely distribution of information; provide advice and guidance to internal and external stakeholders related to communications, media, marketing, incident/crisis management and response, and public engagement; serve on emergency operations team.
• Foster improved Citywide alignment and accountability among key communication points (internal and external facing).
• Proactively engage with internal and external stakeholders to establish processes and enable a cohesive voice/presence on behalf of the City of Denton that effectively represents the right balance of interests, viewpoints, and messaging.
• Under direction of City Manager, oversee City of Denton intergovernmental relations including but not limited to, forming relationships with elected officials and staff, staying abreast of local, regional, state, or federal issues, managing legislative consultants, and participating in and monitoring the state legislative process.
• Responsible for Community Relations and Engagement programming that readily connects Citywide departments and elected officials with the communities they serve.
• Oversee relationships and opportunities between the City of Denton and appropriate partners within and outside of the City to develop Citywide strategies that deliver collective impact; establish and maintain relationships with media contacts.
• Annually evaluate existing communication programs and initiatives; develop a strategic vision and inclusive plan for improved, integrated and modern skills and resources to anticipate and meet the information, communication and marketing needs of key stakeholders, both internally and externally.

• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff; recommend assignment/assignment change, retention, discipline, and dismissal.
• Develop, manage, and monitor budget; maintain accurate budget reporting; ensure that operations are cost-effective, and funds are managed wisely.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field; and,
• Seven (7) years’ experience in business administration, public administration, communications, local government or related field; and,
• Four (4) years’ experience in a management or supervisory capacity;

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local Government laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Knowledge of project management principles, including the ability to review and recommend project improvements based on scope and budget.
• Knowledge of effective research-based strategies, theories, techniques, and methodologies.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of strategic integrated communications and use in community relations and community engagement.
• Skill in analyzing, researching, interpreting, and understanding policies, laws, and regulations and to provide workable recommendations and solutions that maintain compliance.
• Skill in complex problem solving; identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
• Skill at the intermediate level, working with applicable Microsoft Office 365 products, and other software systems to complete work.
• Skill in developing and implementing organizational structures, procedures, and technology.
• Skill in providing exceptional service to internal and external customers.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms, for the needs of the audience.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities with attention to detail.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or presentations with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to motivate, mentor, and train through direct and indirect influence to promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to prepare budget documentation and to monitor expenditures to implement fiscal control and maintain budget compliance.

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law).
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, employment history verification, and social security number verification check.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Ensure equipment is in safe operating condition; perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment, as appropriate and/or notify leadership immediately of needed repairs.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to leadership.

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travel to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours, holidays, and weekends, as needed. Must be able to work overtime, as needed. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

• Inclusion
• Collaboration
• Quality Service
• Strategic Focus
• Fiscal Responsibility

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

E-Verify:
The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.