Director of Communication and Intergovernmental Relations

City-of-Hopewell; Hopewell (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Hopewell seeks a Director of Communication and Intergovernmental Relations to provide executive leadership over public information, media relations, and intergovernmental affairs.

As the official spokesperson and primary liaison, you will develop strategies to disseminate City programs and legislative priorities, coordinate with regional, state, and federal partners, and guide city-wide communications. This role requires strong judgment and collaboration with staff and officials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in public relations, journalism, business management, marketing, or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Extensive experience in local, state, and federal government operations or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Researches, plans, and conducts high-level management and public information activities to inform the public about City programs.
• Manages, edits, and distributes the City’s electronic newsletter and social media messaging; cross-promotes activities.
• Plans major events (town halls, webinars, tours) and intergovernmental outreach, including lobbying visits.
• Supports legislative work through coordination with consultants to develop strategies and work plans.
• Editor for City publications; prepares technical content for diverse audiences.
• Public Information Officer and liaison between City and media; prepares press materials and holds media conferences.
• Leads integrated marketing campaigns across digital and traditional channels.
• Represents the City at community projects and public events; provides tours as needed.
• Serves on executive and LEPC/EOC committees and supports City Manager’s Office.

Skills

Leadership

Communication skills

Organization

Time management

Public relations

Media relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree with coursework in PR/Journalism/Business/Marketing

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Word

Front Page

Job description

The Director of Communication and Intergovernmental Relations is responsible for providing executive-level leadership and oversight of the locality’s public information, media relations, organizational communications, and intergovernmental affairs. This position serves as the official spokesperson for the City and functions as the primary liaison among media representatives, City staff, elected officials, and external governmental entities. The Director develops, implements, and evaluates comprehensive communication strategies to ensure the accurate, timely, and consistent dissemination of information related to City programs, initiatives, and legislative priorities. Additionally, the role facilitates coordination with regional, state, and federal partners to support policy objectives and strengthen intergovernmental collaboration. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and judgment, under limited administrative supervision, and in alignment with the City’s strategic goals, operational standards, and public transparency commitments.

• Researches, plans, and conducts high-level management and public information activities designed to keep the public informed of the City’s programs, accomplishments, and point-of-view in order to maintain a favorable public image for the City.Manages, edits, and distributes the City’s electronic newsletter along with all social media messaging and information distribution; works with other departments to cross-promote activities and programs; increase community awareness of department services, programs, and activities via City social media accounts.
• Plans and coordinates major events such as town halls, webinars, City tours, and intergovernmental outreach trips, including lobbying visits to Washington, D.C.
• Assists strategic pursuit of legislative work with various consultants to identify, prioritize, develop detailed strategies, schedules, and work plans for legislative efforts.
• Serves as the editor for City publications; prepares technical content to diverse audiences; prepares and/or reviews documents, including special reports, media releases, remarks and speeches, award entries, internal and external communications materials, feature stories, articles, reports, and/or presentations.
• Serves as the City’s Public Information Officer and as the liaison between the City and all its departments and the media, to include television, print media, and press releases; prepares and distributes press packets, fact sheets, press releases, public service announcements, etc.; prepares and coordinates media conferences on behalf of the City; responds to media inquiries by gathering information and writing official responses and statements.
• Manages integrated marketing campaigns, including digital advertising, email marketing, content strategy, social media, and traditional marketing tactics; develops and implements communications, public relations, and marketing strategies to achieve departmental and City goals by working with City departments and partner organizations.
• Represents the City during community projects and at public, social, and business functions, both within and outside the City; escorts visitors of note and provides tours of the City.
• Serves as a member of the Executive Management Team and as the Public Information Officer for the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and the Emergency Operations Center (EOC); serves on the centennial and sesquicentennial committees.
• Provides administrative and special project support to the City Manager’s Office and assists other City departments as needed.
• Performs other duties and support to other City departments as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in public relations, journalism, business management, marketing, or related field, and extensive experience in local, state, and federal government operations and municipal emergency operations, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree preferred.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge:

• Thorough knowledge of principles and methods associated to Public Relations, to include media relations, promotions, and marketing.
• Knowledge of municipal government, laws, policies, and procedures, including objectives, projects, activities, and challenges.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, oral and written communication, organization, and time-management skills.
• Skill in research and in the use of Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Front Page applications, as well as of multiple media.

Abilities:

• Ability to use information effectively and to build and maintain relationships with all levels of the organization and the general public.
• Ability to multitask, often dealing with multiple projects and issues at the same time.

Work Environment:

• Work is primarily performed in an indoor, climate-controlled, pleasant office environment.

Essential Physical Activities:

• Crouching, stooping, walking, lifting, hearing, seeing up close, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, and depth perception.
• Typical weight handled: up to 25 lbs.

DISCLAIMER:The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.