Deputy Director of Communications

Commerce City; Commerce City (CO); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Commerce City is seeking a strategic Deputy Director of Communications to elevate the city’s image through public relations, marketing, and community outreach. You will engage with officials, journalists, and the public to promote reliable messaging and visibility.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least eight years of leadership in public affairs. A collaborative, cross-functional approach will guide content and campaigns across platforms.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, political science, or a related field is required.
• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or a related discipline, with a proven track record of managing high-profile communications.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to promote Commerce City's mission, goals, and values.
• Oversee media relations efforts, including writing and distributing press releases, organizing media events, and building relationships with key journalists.
• Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to emerging issues and mitigating reputational risks.
• Manage internal and external communications to ensure alignment with Commerce City objectives and key messaging.
• Monitor and analyze public opinion, media coverage, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decision-making.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements for senior executives and other leaders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and consistent messaging.
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of reports, statements, and presentations to external stakeholders.
• Advise senior leadership on public affairs issues and provide recommendations for enhancing organizational visibility.
• Lead the development of content for public relations materials, including speeches, op-eds, blogs, and social media posts.
• Manage communication team budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across initiatives.
• Foster community engagement through outreach programs, events, and partnerships.
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Oversee social media strategy, ensuring effective and consistent messaging across platforms.
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Provide media training and communication coaching for senior leadership and key organizational spokespeople.
• Act as a liaison between the City of Commerce City and external public relations firms or consultants when necessary
• Stay informed of emerging trends in public affairs, media, communications, and marketing developments to adapt strategies accordingly
• Cultivate positive relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to ensure broad coverage of organizational news

Skills

Public affairs

Media relations

Strategic communication

Crisis communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Analytics

Communication strategy

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public relations/communications/political science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media management

Job description

We’re excited to invite a strategic leader to join our team as the Deputy Director of Communications! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to enhance and promote the vibrant image of Commerce City through creative public relations, dynamic marketing campaigns, and meaningful community outreach. In this role, you'll play a key part in engaging with vital stakeholders, including the public, elected officials, and the media, building strong relationships that bolster our community’s reputation. If you’re a talented communicator who thrives in challenging situations and is passionate about impactful public affairs strategies, we can’t wait to see how your vision and expertise can shine in our dedicated team!

• Develop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to promote Commerce City's mission, goals, and values
• Oversee media relations efforts, including writing and distributing press releases, organizing media events, and building relationships with key journalists
• Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to emerging issues and mitigating reputational risks
• Manage internal and external communications to ensure alignment with Commerce City objectives and key messaging
• Monitor and analyze public opinion, media coverage, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decision-making
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders
• Coordinate media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements for senior executives and other leaders
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and consistent messaging
• Oversee the preparation and dissemination of reports, statements, and presentations to external stakeholders
• Advise senior leadership on public affairs issues and provide recommendations for enhancing organizational visibility
• Lead the development of content for public relations materials, including speeches, op-eds, blogs, and social media posts
• Manage communication team budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across initiatives
• Foster community engagement through outreach programs, events, and partnerships
• Track and evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes
• Oversee social media strategy, ensuring effective and consistent messaging across platforms
• Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups, community leaders, and industry partners.
• Provide media training and communication coaching for senior leadership and key organizational spokespeople.
• Act as a liaison between the City of Commerce City and external public relations firms or consultants when necessary
• Stay informed of emerging trends in public affairs, media, communications, and marketing developments to adapt strategies accordingly
• Cultivate positive relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to ensure broad coverage of organizational news

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Oversees and supervises division staff
• Motivates, coaches, and influences people to facilitate the organization’s effectiveness and organizational change
• Manages department personnel, including the selection process, training and development of the staff, performance appraisals, promotions, demotions, terminations, and disciplinary actions
• Prepares timely performance evaluations that clearly define expectations
• Mentors staff and identifies training opportunities to maximize performance, encouraging an environment of growth and opportunity.
• Provides accurate feedback about the work produced

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, political science, or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or a related discipline, with a proven track record of managing high-profile communications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• public affairs, media relations, marketing, events, and strategic communication principles and practices
• social media platforms and digital communication strategies

Skill in:

• written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences
• interpersonal and relationship building, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders
• project management, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines
• analytics, in order to evaluate public opinion, media coverage, and public affairs metrics to adjust strategies as needed

Ability to:

• develop and execute communication strategies and crisis communication plans
• think strategically and anticipate public relations challenges and opportunities
• problem solve and make decisions, especially in high-pressure or crises
• lead and manage a team, providing direction, mentorship, and support to achieve objectives
• navigate complex political environments and engage with elected officials

Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical Activities

• Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business
• Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel.
• Other Equipment: None.
• Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carrying
• Lifting: Frequently lifts, carries, and exerts up to 25 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires.
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time. Work may be performed in precarious or tight spaces.
• Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. Will require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events. Will require attendance at off-site meetings.
• Additional Working Conditions: None

Reasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job.