Director of Communications and Public Engagement

Description

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of “Continuous.” If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified.

The City of Charlottesville is seeking a dynamic communicator to be its next Director of Communications and Public Engagement who will serve as the City government’s chief spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO). The Director is responsible for developing and directing a city-wide communications program that includes both internal and external communications using multiple tools including the City’s website and social media; and is responsible for support and coordination to city-wide departments and offices.

TO APPLY: to view the complete job information and to apply, visit our employment website, www.charlottesville.gov/jobs. Applications are only accepted online through the City of Charlottesville employment page and must be submitted prior to the listed closing date and time.

To view a downloadable brochure about our Community, City Government, and the position, please click here or go to: https://www.charlottesville.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9547/Charlottesville-Director-of-Communications-and-Public-Engagement-Brochure—2023-PDF?bidId=

The preferred hiring range is between $100,000 and $122,248.34, plus 6% COLA July 1, 2023. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City’s retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities. Reasonable relocation assistance will be available. Please include with your online application a cover letter, resume, and at least 5 professional references.

• For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the ‘benefits’ tab on this posting, or visit https://www.charlottesville.gov/1047/Employee-Benefits.
• The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS, however the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City’s Benefits Administrator at 434-970-3462.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree with coursework in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration, or related field.
• At least five (5) years of experience in media relations, public relations or journalism, preferably in the public sector with local government. (An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be deemed acceptable)

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Values Diversity at All Levels of its Workforce.

Skills Required

Skills:  Requires complete functional knowledge of the workings of media & public relations including crisis communications; familiarity with a variety of the industry’s concepts, practices & procedures; demonstrated capabilities as manager of both people & projects, including the ability to establish priorities, allocate assets properly with a keen focus on execution & detail; ability to think strategically, creatively & purposefully while managing multiple issues & projects; familiarity with new media tools including web sites; exceptional writing & editing skills; expertise in measuring & evaluating the effectiveness of media coverage; experience in developing PR plans & budgets; well organized, detail oriented & experience managing multiple complex projects while working under pressure.