Director of Communications and Community Engagement
City of Rowlett, TX, Rowlett, Texas, United States, 75089
Salary :
$119,302.75 - $178,954.14 Annually Location :
Rowlett, TX Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
2026-00115 Department:
Economic and Community Engagement Division:
Community Engagement Opening Date:
02/03/2026 FLSA:
Exempt
Description
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Applicants must complete all sections of the employment application. Applications with missing, incomplete, or unclear information will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed further.
The Director of Communications and Community Engagement serve as the City's senior communications professional and Public Information Officer, responsible for leading citywide communications, media relations, community engagement, and public outreach. Under the general direction of the City Manager's Office, the Director develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies that ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information sharing with residents, businesses, visitors, employees, and external partners.
This position provides strategic leadership to strengthen transparency, build public trust, support informed decision-making, and promote civic participation. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the City's public narrative, coordinating emergency communications, and fostering meaningful connections between the City organization and the community. Essential Job Functions
Leadership and Management Provide executive leadership and direction for the Communications & Community Engagement Department. Develop departmental goals, policies, work plans, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with City priorities. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and support staff. Serve as a strategic advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership team, and department directors on communication and engagement matters. Public Information and Media Relations Serve as the City's designated Public Information Officer. Develop and oversee media relations strategies, including press releases, media briefings, interviews, and spokesperson coordination. Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely messaging across all City departments and platforms. Represent the City in interactions with the media, community groups, partner agencies, and regional organizations. Emergency and Crisis Communications Lead planning and execution of emergency and crisis communications related to public safety, weather events, infrastructure incidents, and other critical situations. Coordinate communications efforts with public safety agencies, regional partners, and internal departments during emergencies. Maintain readiness through development, testing, and continuous improvement of crisis communication plans. Community Engagement and Public Participation Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive community engagement strategies to promote transparency, participation, and trust. Develop inclusive outreach methods to engage diverse populations, neighborhoods, businesses, and stakeholders. Oversee community forums, town halls, public meetings, and other engagement initiatives. Advise departments on public engagement approaches for major projects, policies, and initiatives. City-Sponsored Events Plan, implement, and evaluate all City-sponsored community events, including festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, and public programs. Coordinate event logistics, communications, staffing, vendor partnerships, sponsorships, and interdepartmental collaboration. Develop event strategies that support community connection, civic pride, and City branding objectives. Evaluate event outcomes and community feedback to inform continuous improvement. Digital Communications and Creative Services Oversee the City's digital platforms, including websites, social media, email communications, mobile applications, and digital advertising. Direct creative services including branding, graphic design, publications, photography, videography, and multimedia storytelling. Ensure accessibility, consistency, and effectiveness of all digital and visual communications. Utilize analytics and performance data to inform strategy and optimize communication efforts. Internal and Intergovernmental Communications Develop and implement internal communication strategies to support employee engagement, alignment, and organizational culture. Build collaborative relationships with regional partners, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community institutions. Support interdepartmental coordination and information sharing across the organization. Other Duties Perform related duties as assigned. Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with elected officials, staff, stakeholders, and the public. Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in public administration, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand positioning, media relations, and public information, or community engagement, preferably in local government or a complex public or nonprofit organization. At least four (4) years of experience in a supervisory or management role with responsibility for staff leadership, operational oversight, and strategic planning. Other Requirements
Knowledge of municipal government operations, organizational structures, and public service delivery. Advanced knowledge of communications principles, media relations, crisis communications, branding, and public engagement practices. Ability to develop and implement long-range communication and engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals. Skill in public speaking, presentation development, and media interaction. Strong written communication skills including the ability to draft clear, accurate, and compelling content. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness in a public sector environment. Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills. Proficiency in digital communications platforms, content management systems, social media tools, analytics platforms, and standard office software. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners. Valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the City. Professional certifications in communications, public relations, or related areas are desirable but not required, including:
Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) Communication Management Professional (CMP) Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR) Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with frequent use of computers and office equipment. Physical demands are primarily sedentary, with occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 20 pounds). Position requires availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond during emergencies or major community events as needed.
The City of Rowlett is proud to support a healthy work/life balance by offering a 4-day work week, with standard business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., depending on departmental schedules
We offer a comprehensive benefits packagethat includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, along with medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
To support our employees' long-term financial goals, the City participates in the Texas Municipal RetirementSystem (TMRS), featuring a generous 2:1 match.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, please visit our 01
Do you currently have a driver's license? (Your driving record will be considered to the extent that you will drive a City vehicle or conduct City business in your personal vehicle).
Yes No
02
If you do not currently have a valid Texas driver's license, are you able to obtain one within 60 days of hire?
Yes No
03
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field?
Yes No
04
If yes, please indicate your major or field of study for the degree earned. 05
Do you have a Master's degree?
Yes No
06
If yes, please provide the degree and major or field of study. 07
Do you have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand positioning, media relations, public information, or communications within a governmental or non-profit organization?
Yes No
08
If yes, please provide specific examples of your experience, including duties performed and total years of experience. 09
Do you have at least four (4) years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for staff leadership, operational oversight, and strategic planning?
Yes No
10
If yes, please describe your leadership responsibilities, number of staff supervised, and examples of strategic initiatives you led. Required Question
$119,302.75 - $178,954.14 Annually Location :
Rowlett, TX Job Type:
Full Time Job Number:
2026-00115 Department:
Economic and Community Engagement Division:
Community Engagement Opening Date:
02/03/2026 FLSA:
Exempt
Description
Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.
Applicants must complete all sections of the employment application. Applications with missing, incomplete, or unclear information will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed further.
The Director of Communications and Community Engagement serve as the City's senior communications professional and Public Information Officer, responsible for leading citywide communications, media relations, community engagement, and public outreach. Under the general direction of the City Manager's Office, the Director develops and implements comprehensive communication strategies that ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information sharing with residents, businesses, visitors, employees, and external partners.
This position provides strategic leadership to strengthen transparency, build public trust, support informed decision-making, and promote civic participation. The Director plays a critical role in shaping the City's public narrative, coordinating emergency communications, and fostering meaningful connections between the City organization and the community. Essential Job Functions
Leadership and Management Provide executive leadership and direction for the Communications & Community Engagement Department. Develop departmental goals, policies, work plans, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with City priorities. Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate professional and support staff. Serve as a strategic advisor to the City Manager, executive leadership team, and department directors on communication and engagement matters. Public Information and Media Relations Serve as the City's designated Public Information Officer. Develop and oversee media relations strategies, including press releases, media briefings, interviews, and spokesperson coordination. Ensure consistent, accurate, and timely messaging across all City departments and platforms. Represent the City in interactions with the media, community groups, partner agencies, and regional organizations. Emergency and Crisis Communications Lead planning and execution of emergency and crisis communications related to public safety, weather events, infrastructure incidents, and other critical situations. Coordinate communications efforts with public safety agencies, regional partners, and internal departments during emergencies. Maintain readiness through development, testing, and continuous improvement of crisis communication plans. Community Engagement and Public Participation Design, implement, and evaluate comprehensive community engagement strategies to promote transparency, participation, and trust. Develop inclusive outreach methods to engage diverse populations, neighborhoods, businesses, and stakeholders. Oversee community forums, town halls, public meetings, and other engagement initiatives. Advise departments on public engagement approaches for major projects, policies, and initiatives. City-Sponsored Events Plan, implement, and evaluate all City-sponsored community events, including festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, and public programs. Coordinate event logistics, communications, staffing, vendor partnerships, sponsorships, and interdepartmental collaboration. Develop event strategies that support community connection, civic pride, and City branding objectives. Evaluate event outcomes and community feedback to inform continuous improvement. Digital Communications and Creative Services Oversee the City's digital platforms, including websites, social media, email communications, mobile applications, and digital advertising. Direct creative services including branding, graphic design, publications, photography, videography, and multimedia storytelling. Ensure accessibility, consistency, and effectiveness of all digital and visual communications. Utilize analytics and performance data to inform strategy and optimize communication efforts. Internal and Intergovernmental Communications Develop and implement internal communication strategies to support employee engagement, alignment, and organizational culture. Build collaborative relationships with regional partners, governmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, and community institutions. Support interdepartmental coordination and information sharing across the organization. Other Duties Perform related duties as assigned. Establish and maintain effective, professional working relationships with elected officials, staff, stakeholders, and the public. Minimum Requirements
Bachelor's degree in public administration, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand positioning, media relations, and public information, or community engagement, preferably in local government or a complex public or nonprofit organization. At least four (4) years of experience in a supervisory or management role with responsibility for staff leadership, operational oversight, and strategic planning. Other Requirements
Knowledge of municipal government operations, organizational structures, and public service delivery. Advanced knowledge of communications principles, media relations, crisis communications, branding, and public engagement practices. Ability to develop and implement long-range communication and engagement strategies aligned with organizational goals. Skill in public speaking, presentation development, and media interaction. Strong written communication skills including the ability to draft clear, accurate, and compelling content. Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and meet deadlines under pressure. Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political awareness in a public sector environment. Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills. Proficiency in digital communications platforms, content management systems, social media tools, analytics platforms, and standard office software. Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners. Valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to the City. Professional certifications in communications, public relations, or related areas are desirable but not required, including:
Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) Communication Management Professional (CMP) Strategic Communication Management Professional (SCMP) Certified Professional in Public Relations (CPPR) Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment with frequent use of computers and office equipment. Physical demands are primarily sedentary, with occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 20 pounds). Position requires availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and respond during emergencies or major community events as needed.
The City of Rowlett is proud to support a healthy work/life balance by offering a 4-day work week, with standard business hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., depending on departmental schedules
We offer a comprehensive benefits packagethat includes vacation, holiday, and sick leave, along with medical, dental, vision, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
To support our employees' long-term financial goals, the City participates in the Texas Municipal RetirementSystem (TMRS), featuring a generous 2:1 match.
For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, please visit our 01
Do you currently have a driver's license? (Your driving record will be considered to the extent that you will drive a City vehicle or conduct City business in your personal vehicle).
Yes No
02
If you do not currently have a valid Texas driver's license, are you able to obtain one within 60 days of hire?
Yes No
03
Do you have a Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a closely related field?
Yes No
04
If yes, please indicate your major or field of study for the degree earned. 05
Do you have a Master's degree?
Yes No
06
If yes, please provide the degree and major or field of study. 07
Do you have at least seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, public affairs, brand positioning, media relations, public information, or communications within a governmental or non-profit organization?
Yes No
08
If yes, please provide specific examples of your experience, including duties performed and total years of experience. 09
Do you have at least four (4) years of supervisory or management experience with responsibility for staff leadership, operational oversight, and strategic planning?
Yes No
10
If yes, please describe your leadership responsibilities, number of staff supervised, and examples of strategic initiatives you led. Required Question