Communications Director

About the position

The City of Pittsburgh seeks a creative, dynamic, and results-oriented communications professional to serve as the Communications Director for the Office of the Mayor. The incumbent will develop, manage and implement a comprehensive and proactive communications strategy for the City of Pittsburgh. The position's responsibilities include managing and coordinating all department personnel and establishing internal reporting processes with communications personnel. The position's focus is on the conveyance of public information, and the successful representation of the Office of the Mayor's interests to internal and external audiences. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of public relations strategies, media relations, communications technologies, as well as excellent writing skills. This role will require a solutions-oriented candidate with the ability to build internal and external relationships and become a credible and persuasive leader in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. The candidate should have proven team management experience and a track record of successful inter-departmental collaboration. This is a unique opportunity for a highly sophisticated and seasoned communications leader who thrives in an environment of growth. The ideal candidate has experience crafting and executing integrated communications strategies to provide timely and accurate information to the residents of Pittsburgh.

Responsibilities

• Ensures all levels of city communications staff are accurately, effectively, and consistently promoting key Mayoral priorities and messaging.
• Serves as liaison with intergovernmental and other partner communications teams to coordinate messaging on shared priorities.
• Provides direction and oversight of Mayoral Communications Office staff, including internal reporting, personnel management, establishing departmental priorities, and review/approval of external materials.
• Works with the Director of the Department of Innovation and Performance to direct the work product of the Communications Services teams to make sure it is coordinated and aligned.
• Identifies, manages, and directs opportunities to create or enhance City collateral and marketing materials, information and promotional content, and delivery channels (i.e. newsletters, brochures, branded programs, video, social media, etc.).
• Develops long-term communications programming strategy and calendar; including (but not limited to), identifying high-profile events and announcements, high profile stories at both the local and national level, speaking engagements for key City staff, etc.
• Creates and ensures the integration of a citywide crisis communications plan which includes strategic external communications plans, media relations, stakeholder outreach, and rules of engagement/crisis procedures for City personnel.
• Provides oversight for all aspects of Mayoral public appearances, including briefing documents, press outreach materials, location and event details, etc.
• Conveys information and provides education and awareness to constituents and external stakeholders regarding city initiatives through the creation and distribution of press releases, advertisements, social media posts and other forms of communication.
• Identifies and leverages international and national opportunities/initiatives to advance Mayor's agenda and profile.
• Develops, fosters, and maintains professional relationships with representatives from local and national media.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with department directors to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Develops brand voice and maintains brand integrity across all platforms.
• Oversees development of City social media policies and strategies.
• Tracks engagement across various platforms and makes data-driven decisions.
• Reports directly to the Mayor.
• Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Six (6) years of full-time communications experience with a successful track record in implementing progressive marketing and messaging strategies in partnership with internal and external stakeholders.
• Must have a network of local media contacts and experience working with national media.
• Bachelor's Degree from a fully accredited institution in Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience crafting and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Proven team management experience.
• Track record of successful inter-departmental collaboration.

Benefits

• Salary: $110,718 per year.
• Non-Union position.
• Exempt Civil Service Classification.