Communications Director
Florida Association of Counties, Lansing, MI, United States
The Communications Director leads and manages internal and external communications for the municipality. This position is responsible for developing communication strategies, managing media relations, overseeing public information dissemination, and promoting transparency between the city government and the public.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS The following duties provide a general list of tasks. The position may or may not perform all the tasks listed and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and evolving business practices:
Develop and implement strategic communication plans for the city’s programs, services, and initiatives.
Serves as the primary spokesperson for the municipality, responding to media inquiries and preparing official statements.
Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, social media content, website updates, and multimedia materials.
Manage public relations during emergencies and crisis situations.
Coordinates with city departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
Leads public outreach and engagement efforts, including city hall meetings and community events.
Supervises communications staff and external consultants/vendors.
Monitors public sentiment and media coverage; prepares reports for city leadership.
Advises elected officials and city leadership on communication strategies.
Maintain relationships with local media, community organizations, and government agencies.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
Master’s degree is preferred in any of the above-mentioned areas.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media, or communications, including supervisory or leadership experience.
Government or public sector experience is strongly preferred.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida license within ten (10) days of employment.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar credential preferred.
FEMA ICS/NIMS training may be required within a specified timeframe.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of public relations, media relations, and strategic communication.
Strong leadership and project management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
Ability to manage communications during crises with calm and professionalism.
Proficiency in digital communication platforms, including social media, websites, and video production.
Strong political acumen and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to engage in diverse communities and foster positive public perception.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Primarily sedentary work with occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs.).
Frequent use of computers, phones, and audiovisual equipment.
Occasional long hours during emergencies or special events.
Occasional outdoor work at community events or press conferences.
May be subject to stress from tight deadlines, emergency situations, and public scrutiny.
(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)
JOB DESCRIPTION AKNOWLEDGEMENT This is to certify that I have been given the opportunity to review my job description entirely and ask questions if I have any regarding the position. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be interpreted as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are similar kind or level of difficulty.
Employee Name (PLEASE PRINT)
Date
Employee Signature
March 4, 2026 | Comments Off on Communications Director
#J-18808-Ljbffr
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS The following duties provide a general list of tasks. The position may or may not perform all the tasks listed and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and evolving business practices:
Develop and implement strategic communication plans for the city’s programs, services, and initiatives.
Serves as the primary spokesperson for the municipality, responding to media inquiries and preparing official statements.
Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, newsletters, social media content, website updates, and multimedia materials.
Manage public relations during emergencies and crisis situations.
Coordinates with city departments to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
Leads public outreach and engagement efforts, including city hall meetings and community events.
Supervises communications staff and external consultants/vendors.
Monitors public sentiment and media coverage; prepares reports for city leadership.
Advises elected officials and city leadership on communication strategies.
Maintain relationships with local media, community organizations, and government agencies.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
Master’s degree is preferred in any of the above-mentioned areas.
Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in public relations, media, or communications, including supervisory or leadership experience.
Government or public sector experience is strongly preferred.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS
Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Applicants who possess a valid out of state driver’s license must obtain the Florida license within ten (10) days of employment.
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or similar credential preferred.
FEMA ICS/NIMS training may be required within a specified timeframe.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Extensive knowledge of public relations, media relations, and strategic communication.
Strong leadership and project management skills.
Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
Ability to manage communications during crises with calm and professionalism.
Proficiency in digital communication platforms, including social media, websites, and video production.
Strong political acumen and discretion in handling sensitive or confidential information.
Ability to engage in diverse communities and foster positive public perception.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Primarily sedentary work with occasional walking, standing, and light lifting (up to 25 lbs.).
Frequent use of computers, phones, and audiovisual equipment.
Occasional long hours during emergencies or special events.
Occasional outdoor work at community events or press conferences.
May be subject to stress from tight deadlines, emergency situations, and public scrutiny.
(Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)
JOB DESCRIPTION AKNOWLEDGEMENT This is to certify that I have been given the opportunity to review my job description entirely and ask questions if I have any regarding the position. This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty that will be required of positions that will be given this title and shall not be interpreted as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct, and control the work of employees under their supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are similar kind or level of difficulty.
Employee Name (PLEASE PRINT)
Date
Employee Signature
March 4, 2026 | Comments Off on Communications Director
#J-18808-Ljbffr