Director of Communications & Engagement

Under administrative direction, the Director of Communications and Engagement broadly articulates the vision and story of the City of Gulf Shores through multiple channels. This position is responsible for leading and developing communications strategies for all branding, website, social media, and public relations messages, activities, and services to consistently articulate the City of Gulf Shores’ story to the citizens. The Director ensures that the City of Gulf Shores is viewed as a primary source, disseminator, and channel of information internally and externally. The Director works cooperatively with the executive team as their communications partner regarding a variety of strategic initiatives and with the Director of Media Relations to focus resources toward enhancing media interactions.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Directs community engagement outreach efforts to other public and private organizations; establishes and maintains ways to directly engage the citizens including but not limited to Citizens Government Academy, Meet and Greet City Council and Staff, Multicultural Outreach Roundtable, and regular meetings of Neighborhood Leadership Council.

Enhances and protects the city brand “City of Excellence”, city trademarks, symbols, and logos.

Determines to whom, where, and when to disseminate information, both printed and electronic, to the general public and employees. Implements methodologies to create forward-progressive development and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities.

Determines and plans for the most efficient and effective methods to engage the community including organizing annual meetings to involve the network’s discreet audiences; ensures vibrant engagement with citizens, community stakeholders, and City staff.

Directs the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic communication channels including but not limited to newsletters, brochures, social media, and website; leads the generation of online content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action.

Coordinates web page maintenance to ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly.

Tracks and measures the level of engagement within the network over time; coordinates, reviews, and provides quality control for all publications and broadcasts produced for citizens and employees both electronic and in print. Establishes meaningful communications and engagement goals, baselines, KPIs, dashboards and reporting practices.

Develops, implements, and evaluates the Strategic Marketing Plan and an Annual Communications Plan; provides City executive team and staff with preparation of their information and materials.

Directs, mentors, and develops assigned staff; prepares annual budget for marketing, communications, operations, and directs departmental staff and equipment.  Coordinates work across departments and fosters shared ownership of effective organizational communication.

Serves as project coordinator for all City dedication and ground-breaking ceremonies, organizing and coordinating press conferences, dedications and other high-visibility City events.

Regular and consistent attendance for assigned work schedule is essential.

Perform other duties as assigned.




Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Public Relations, Mass Communications, Broadcast and Film Communications, or related field. Master’s degree in business or related is preferred.
 
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, strategic planning or related field, which includes two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications
Valid Driver’s LicenseIMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:
The Director supervises the Communications Manager and Public Engagement Manager and collaborates closely with the City’s designated Public Information Officer on media-related activities and public information planning.  The incumbent must develop, implement, and evaluate strategic marketing plans and highly effective electronic and print communications with the general public and employees. The incumbent must decide appropriate timing and methodologies to effectively disseminate information.