Communications Director - Community Relations

Duties: The Communications Director serves as the City's chief communications strategist and liaison between the Mayor's Office, city departments, the public, and external organizations. This role is responsible for developing and managing comprehensive communication strategies, directing all social media and public information functions, and overseeing content and programming for the City's media platforms, including the municipal television channel (TV 16), city website, and all other digital platforms. The Communications Director ensures consistent messaging, transparent public communication, and fosters public trust through proactive media relations, crisis communication, and community engagement initiatives. The position also manages key special projects and citywide initiatives as directed by the Mayor or his designee. This position also serves as the city's primary Public Information Officer, responsible for organizing press conferences and acting as the liaison between the City and media outlets. Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the City and Mayor. Lead and implement a citywide communications strategy, including internal and external communications. Manage and direct content creation and public messaging on all City platforms, including: Social media accounts, Press and news releases, TV 16 (Municipal Channel), City website, Neighborhood Network. Coordinate and manage crisis communication and emergency response messaging. Advise elected officials and senior leadership on media strategy, public perception, and message development. Plan and execute public information campaigns to educate and inform the public. Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets and external organizations. Develop, manage, and monitor department budget and resources. Oversee production of promotional materials, newsletters, and city publications. Represent the City at community events, meetings, and in professional associations. Manage special projects and serve as liaison to civic organizations, nonprofits, and public stakeholders. Ensure accessibility, accuracy, and consistency of public information. Must have and maintain, without interruption, all necessary licenses, certifications, clearances, and/or job requirements. Works the assigned schedule and complies with City timekeeping and attendance policy. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public information, media relations, or strategic communications. Trained and certified (or able to be certified) Public Information Officer, with experience in emergency and crisis communications. Valid driver's license and ability to maintain required certifications without interruption. PREFERRED: Experience working in municipal or government communication. Experience with social media, video production, and digital content strategy.

The City of Pasadena offers very generous benefits to all full-time employees. For example:

• Employee-only medical insurance starts as low as $15 per month and the most expensive Employee & Family plan is less than $350 per month.
• The City has its own medical clinic staffed with a M.D. and two medical assistants. Employees and their covered dependents over the age of 5 can visit the clinic FREE OF CHARGE.
• Employees and their covered dependents also have access to Virtual Visits with a medical professional FREE OF CHARGE.
• The City offers college tuition reimbursement of up to $3,500 per year.
• As an employee, you will contribute a portion of your salary each pay-period towards your retirement and the City will match your contribution by 200%. Example, if you contribute $100, the City will contribute $200.
• Civilian employees accumulate vacation at the following rates:
  • Less than 6 years of service - two weeks of vacation per year.
  • From 6 to less than 11 years of service - three weeks of vacation per year.
  • From 11 to less than 21 years of service – four weeks of vacation per year.
  • From 21 to less than 26 years of service – five weeks of vacation per year.
  • From 26 years of service and up – six weeks of vacation per year.