City of Pelham
Overview
The City of Pelham is seeking a dynamic and visionary
Communications Director
to lead our citywide communications strategy and elevate how we engage with residents, businesses, and the media. This is an exciting opportunity to shape Pelham’s public voice—building trust, transparency, and connection through effective storytelling, branding, and strategic communication. Working closely with the City Manager’s Office, the Communications Director will oversee all aspects of public relations, media relations, crisis communication, and marketing, ensuring our message reflects the excellence and integrity of our community. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for impactful communication and civic engagement, we invite you to join our leadership team and make a lasting difference in how Pelham communicates its story.
Responsibilities
Manages, plans, organizes, and directs a comprehensive, organization-wide communications program; develops and implements policies, procedures, processes, and methods consistent with strategic priorities to facilitate effective communications.
Works with the City Manager’s Office and Director of Information Technology and other department heads as appropriate to ensure outward-facing technology and communications (including information regarding city code and how to effectively communicate action required of residents, businesses, visitors, etc.) are easily accessible and understandable.
In conjunction with the City Manager’s Office works with elected and appointed officials, Directors, and City staff to bring a strategic, organization-wide perspective to Communications and balance competing needs across different departments and program areas.
Provides oversight of all Communications functions for the City, both internally and externally; establishes and maintains City-wide communications procedures; provides training to and works with staff in all departments to ensure adherence to policies and practices; researches, analyzes, recommends and implements new processes and practices and methods related to all communications and its various platforms; proposes strategies for implementing changes; oversees implementation of changes.
Plans and organizes assignments in the Communications area to achieve established objectives and time schedules, including assigning work activities, projects, and programs; monitoring workflow; reviewing and evaluating work products, methods, and procedures; developing methodology and schedules; completing or directing staff in completing assigned or special projects; preparing or overseeing the preparation of products.
Serves as a member of the Leadership team; participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Maintains a keen understanding of social, economic, political, and industry trends and proactively makes appropriate recommendations regarding communications strategies in response to identified trends.
Serves as the Public Information Officer during Emergencies and works within the structure of the National Incident Management System.
Works closely with the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney, HR Director, and Mayor, providing guidance and proposing solutions to politically sensitive situations.
Oversees and performs a variety of highly complex professional technical, analytical, and consultative work focusing on analysis, project development and implementation, organizational assessment and evaluation, program evaluation, and program recommendation.
Develops, prepares, and presents reports, surveys, and other administrative activities; presents to the Leadership Team and the City Council.
Responsible for the selection, supervision, and evaluation of assigned staff; plans, prioritizes, coordinates, and ensures appropriate training is provided.
Models unwavering integrity, respectful working relationships, and creates a workplace that supports all employees; supports City leadership in successfully responding to the changing needs of a diverse organization and community.
Prepares and administers budget for communications programs and projects; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and controls expenditures. Supervises and/or oversees the work of outside consultants.
Coordinates the development and implementation of public information activities, responds to all media inquiries, and facilitates interviews with department experts. Acts on applicable requests for information from the public, prepares press releases and other deliverables to the media.
Serves as a liaison to other departments, outside agencies, committees, commissions, and the public. Serves on or provides professional staff support to a variety of City committees and task teams as directed by the City Manager.
Plans and attends community meetings to discuss issues and community needs. Evaluates and incorporates public input into program planning.
Develops marketing and advertising plans and oversees the implementation of those plans for the City’s Enterprise-funded facilities and programs, Ballantrae Golf, Pelham Racquet Club, and (working in conjunction with the City’s professional management company), the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.
Through strategic reputation management, leads efforts to shape and uphold the City’s brand and public image.
Performs other duties, as required.
Competencies
Flexibility and Focus – Constant shifts in priorities and demands coming from many different directions require this position to be flexible enough to pivot several times in any given day while keeping focused on the top priorities.
Problem Solving – The ability to analyze problems or concepts and make decisions based on the information.
Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly and without demonstrating adverse responses.
Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Contributes to building a positive team experience.
Leadership – Inspires respect and trust and demonstrates a commitment to assigning goals and encourages vulnerability by creating an atmosphere where failure is used as a learning tool, encouragement is frequent, and accountability is vital.
Integrity – Works with integrity and ethically; upholds the organizational values.
Independence – Autonomy in day‑to‑day functions, with the ability to seek support when needed.
Organizational Support – Significant impact on operations, program outcomes, and budgeting, using organization assets responsibly.
Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions and for the actions of those within the department.
Professionalism – Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
Quality – Seeks ways to improve and promote quality.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a closely related field required.
A Master’s Degree is preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of leading strategic and comprehensive communications for an organization.
Experience working with a local government agency is preferred.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses & Special Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain relevant National Incident Management System certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain an appropriate, valid Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
Language Ability Ability to read and interpret documents; exceptional writing and editing skills. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence for a broad range of audiences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees. Speak English clearly, distinctly, and concisely at a satisfactory volume level to communicate with the public to resolve customer complaints and answer customers’ questions. Hearing (including background noise rejection) must be sufficient to allow for the routine use of multiple line telephone systems. Communicate verbally and effectively by listening to people and by giving information and direction.
Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Computer Skills Proficiency in word processing and database software. Ability to utilize computers effectively for all job functions.
Technology Skills Experience with social media platforms and analytics, livestreaming technologies, video editing, and Artificial Intelligence tools for data-driven marketing and development.
Supervisory Responsibilities Must be able to supervise individuals engaged in similar functions.
Work Environment The work environment is primarily indoors in an office setting but requires occasional outdoor work. Noise level is usually moderate. Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday (business hours) with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, and availability for media after regular hours. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
Physical Demands Regular use of hands to touch, feel, reach with both hands and arms. Frequent talking and listening. Occasional standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Ability to lift up to ten (10) pounds regularly and occasionally twenty-five (25) pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Professional appearance is required.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries Government Administration
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Communications Director
to lead our citywide communications strategy and elevate how we engage with residents, businesses, and the media. This is an exciting opportunity to shape Pelham’s public voice—building trust, transparency, and connection through effective storytelling, branding, and strategic communication. Working closely with the City Manager’s Office, the Communications Director will oversee all aspects of public relations, media relations, crisis communication, and marketing, ensuring our message reflects the excellence and integrity of our community. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for impactful communication and civic engagement, we invite you to join our leadership team and make a lasting difference in how Pelham communicates its story.
Responsibilities
Manages, plans, organizes, and directs a comprehensive, organization-wide communications program; develops and implements policies, procedures, processes, and methods consistent with strategic priorities to facilitate effective communications.
Works with the City Manager’s Office and Director of Information Technology and other department heads as appropriate to ensure outward-facing technology and communications (including information regarding city code and how to effectively communicate action required of residents, businesses, visitors, etc.) are easily accessible and understandable.
In conjunction with the City Manager’s Office works with elected and appointed officials, Directors, and City staff to bring a strategic, organization-wide perspective to Communications and balance competing needs across different departments and program areas.
Provides oversight of all Communications functions for the City, both internally and externally; establishes and maintains City-wide communications procedures; provides training to and works with staff in all departments to ensure adherence to policies and practices; researches, analyzes, recommends and implements new processes and practices and methods related to all communications and its various platforms; proposes strategies for implementing changes; oversees implementation of changes.
Plans and organizes assignments in the Communications area to achieve established objectives and time schedules, including assigning work activities, projects, and programs; monitoring workflow; reviewing and evaluating work products, methods, and procedures; developing methodology and schedules; completing or directing staff in completing assigned or special projects; preparing or overseeing the preparation of products.
Serves as a member of the Leadership team; participates in the development of City goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
Maintains a keen understanding of social, economic, political, and industry trends and proactively makes appropriate recommendations regarding communications strategies in response to identified trends.
Serves as the Public Information Officer during Emergencies and works within the structure of the National Incident Management System.
Works closely with the City Manager’s Office, City Attorney, HR Director, and Mayor, providing guidance and proposing solutions to politically sensitive situations.
Oversees and performs a variety of highly complex professional technical, analytical, and consultative work focusing on analysis, project development and implementation, organizational assessment and evaluation, program evaluation, and program recommendation.
Develops, prepares, and presents reports, surveys, and other administrative activities; presents to the Leadership Team and the City Council.
Responsible for the selection, supervision, and evaluation of assigned staff; plans, prioritizes, coordinates, and ensures appropriate training is provided.
Models unwavering integrity, respectful working relationships, and creates a workplace that supports all employees; supports City leadership in successfully responding to the changing needs of a diverse organization and community.
Prepares and administers budget for communications programs and projects; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; monitors and controls expenditures. Supervises and/or oversees the work of outside consultants.
Coordinates the development and implementation of public information activities, responds to all media inquiries, and facilitates interviews with department experts. Acts on applicable requests for information from the public, prepares press releases and other deliverables to the media.
Serves as a liaison to other departments, outside agencies, committees, commissions, and the public. Serves on or provides professional staff support to a variety of City committees and task teams as directed by the City Manager.
Plans and attends community meetings to discuss issues and community needs. Evaluates and incorporates public input into program planning.
Develops marketing and advertising plans and oversees the implementation of those plans for the City’s Enterprise-funded facilities and programs, Ballantrae Golf, Pelham Racquet Club, and (working in conjunction with the City’s professional management company), the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena.
Through strategic reputation management, leads efforts to shape and uphold the City’s brand and public image.
Performs other duties, as required.
Competencies
Flexibility and Focus – Constant shifts in priorities and demands coming from many different directions require this position to be flexible enough to pivot several times in any given day while keeping focused on the top priorities.
Problem Solving – The ability to analyze problems or concepts and make decisions based on the information.
Customer Service – Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; responds promptly and without demonstrating adverse responses.
Teamwork – Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views. Contributes to building a positive team experience.
Leadership – Inspires respect and trust and demonstrates a commitment to assigning goals and encourages vulnerability by creating an atmosphere where failure is used as a learning tool, encouragement is frequent, and accountability is vital.
Integrity – Works with integrity and ethically; upholds the organizational values.
Independence – Autonomy in day‑to‑day functions, with the ability to seek support when needed.
Organizational Support – Significant impact on operations, program outcomes, and budgeting, using organization assets responsibly.
Accountability – Takes responsibility for own actions and for the actions of those within the department.
Professionalism – Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of status or position.
Quality – Seeks ways to improve and promote quality.
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a closely related field required.
A Master’s Degree is preferred.
Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a closely related field, with a proven track record of leading strategic and comprehensive communications for an organization.
Experience working with a local government agency is preferred.
Supervisory experience is preferred.
Certificates, Licenses & Special Requirements
Possession of or ability to obtain relevant National Incident Management System certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain an appropriate, valid Alabama driver’s license within 30 days of employment.
Language Ability Ability to read and interpret documents; exceptional writing and editing skills. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence for a broad range of audiences. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees. Speak English clearly, distinctly, and concisely at a satisfactory volume level to communicate with the public to resolve customer complaints and answer customers’ questions. Hearing (including background noise rejection) must be sufficient to allow for the routine use of multiple line telephone systems. Communicate verbally and effectively by listening to people and by giving information and direction.
Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Computer Skills Proficiency in word processing and database software. Ability to utilize computers effectively for all job functions.
Technology Skills Experience with social media platforms and analytics, livestreaming technologies, video editing, and Artificial Intelligence tools for data-driven marketing and development.
Supervisory Responsibilities Must be able to supervise individuals engaged in similar functions.
Work Environment The work environment is primarily indoors in an office setting but requires occasional outdoor work. Noise level is usually moderate. Normal work schedule is Monday through Friday (business hours) with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and holidays, and availability for media after regular hours. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities.
Physical Demands Regular use of hands to touch, feel, reach with both hands and arms. Frequent talking and listening. Occasional standing, walking, sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Ability to lift up to ten (10) pounds regularly and occasionally twenty-five (25) pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Professional appearance is required.
Seniority Level Director
Employment Type Full‑time
Job Function Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
Industries Government Administration
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