Communications Director

City of Harrisburg; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined pension plan

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Health care benefits

Job summary

The City of Harrisburg is seeking a Communications Director to lead the Bureau of Communications. This management role oversees public relations across print, TV, digital and social media, with supervisory responsibility over all staff including the 311 Information Desk.

Responsibilities include developing information for release, coordinating events, managing Channel 20 production, and ensuring timely, accurate communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, business or public administration, TV and film production, or related field.
• At least three years of related experience in television production services, communications, public relations, marketing and advertising, or equivalent combination including staff management and budget.
• Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and transmits information through various mediums to achieve public understanding and support.
• Manages and directs the Communications Program and oversees the 311 Information Desk.
• Plans and coordinates events, creates publicity material, and manages social media maintenance across platforms.
• Oversees equipment, editing, and programming for Channel 20 production and on-air interviews.
• Supervises staff, budgeting, performance reviews and professional development.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Leadership

Communications strategy

Digital media

Social media

Television production

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

Job description

JOB OVERVIEW The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for a Communications Director in the Bureau of Communications.The Communications Director is a management-level position responsible for managing the City of Harrisburg’s public relations, print, television, digital and social media efforts. This employee has supervisory responsibility over all staff within the Bureau of Communications, including oversight and management of the 311 Information Desk. Supervisory responsibilities include but are not limited to; staffing, timekeeping, payroll, leave approval, budget oversight, performance reviews, professional development, and disciplines. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor and/or their designee. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City of Harrisburg offers a salary range from $80,000.00 to $100,000.00. This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package:

• defined pension plan
• paid holidays
• paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time)
• health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision)

Job Title

Communications Director

Bureau of Communications

Grade: M-20

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Communications Director is a management-level position responsible for managing the City of Harrisburg’s public relations, print, television, digital and social media efforts. This employee has supervisory responsibility over all staff within the Bureau of Communications, including oversight and management of the 311 Information Desk. Supervisory responsibilities include but are not limited to; staffing, timekeeping, payroll, leave approval, budget oversight, performance reviews, professional development, and disciplines. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor and/or their designee. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

JOB LOCATION/ EQUIPMENT

Work is typically performed at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. City Government Center and other venue locations held throughout the City and occasionally outside the City. Work involves the use of computers, printers, copy machine, fax machine, telephone, video/digital cameras, audio mixers, digital editing systems and any other office equipment or technical devices as necessary or required. Duties are typically performed weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., however, this position requires employee to work on a significant number of nights, weekends, and holidays.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Prepares and transmits information through various mediums to achieve public understanding and support. Works with City government officials and employees, City agencies, other government bodies and the public to develop information for release to the general public and news media. Manages and directs the Communications Program which informs the public, builds constituencies, continually gathers information, analyzes public attitudes and fosters a good relationship between the City and the community. Distributes materials such as news releases, pamphlets, letters and related information. The Communications Director works closely with the Mayor in planning and scheduling special events. Manages the planning, creating and placing publicity material, holding press functions and providing answers to news media and public inquiries. Responsibilities also include management of equipment, editing and programming of events for Channel 20 production, conducting on air interviews, planning shot sequences, and creating program content. The Communications Manager also manages and oversees the 311 Information Desk and the Communications Bureau team. Additionally, the Communications Manager will be responsible for all social media maintenance, including, but not limited to, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, WHBG’s website, City newsletter and other social media outlets. Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with their staff, supervisors, co-workers, advertisers, and the general public. Complete all assignments in an efficient, consistent and timely manner. Maintain regular, punctual and predictable attendance, report to work and remain at work in a productive condition which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Performs any other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Ability to determine and prepare appropriate media materials for presentation.
• Proficient in the operation of personal computing equipment, audio and video equipment, radios, digital cameras and other equipment.
• Thorough knowledge of television production, broadcasting practices, technical standards and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of FCC Regulations.
• Ability to supervise and monitor direct reporting staff according to established policies and procedures.
• Ability to speak clearly and accurately in provision of public and other information.
• Working knowledge of best practices for television, radio and webcasting.
• Ability to make independent decisions and judgments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to maintain extreme confidentiality.
• Ability to exercise good judgment, courtesy and tact in dealing with the public and news media so as to present the City, Mayor and other City officials in a positive light.
• Excellent knowledge of all forms of media operations, scheduling, practices and trends.
• Ability to work creatively and effectively with people from a variety of culturally diverse backgrounds.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, business or public administration, TV and film production, or related field plus, at least three year’s related experience in a combination of areas including television production services, communications, broadcast arts, public relations, marketing and advertising, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, including management of staff and a department budget. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, Class C.