Director of Communications & Community Relations

City of Glendale (CA); Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Glendale (CA) is seeking a strategic leader to head citywide communications and community engagement, aligning internal and external messaging and guiding media relations across departments. The role builds stakeholder partnerships, directs outreach and civic events, and oversees Glendale TV Studios operations and graphic design services.

As a senior communications leader, you will advise the City Council and executive leadership on public communication and engagement while ensuring

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, English or related field required.
• Master's degree in the above areas desirable.
• Eight years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, community engagement or public relations required.
• Three years of supervisory/management experience in a union environment preferred.
• A valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Responsibilities

• Leads citywide communications and community engagement, including internal/external communications, media relations and messaging consistency.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with stakeholders and directs community outreach and civic events.
• Oversees Glendale TV Studios operations and graphic design services.
• Coordinates citywide media relations team and advises City Council and executive leadership on public communication.
• Ensures emergency/crisis communications planning and cyber security best practices.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or related field

Master's Degree in the above-stated areas (desirable)

Job description

OPEN EXAMINATION - ONE YEAR PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Under the direction of the City Manager, this position leads citywide communications and community engagement — including internal/external communications, media relations, and messaging consistency across departments. The position builds and maintains partnerships with stakeholders, directs community outreach and civic events, oversees emergency/crisis communications, graphic design services, and Glendale TV Studios operations. The position also coordinates the citywide media relations team and advises the City Council, and Executive leadership on public communication and engagement matters.

Classification Code

1108

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the City Manager.

Common Responsibilities

In the City of Glendale, all positions are responsible for excellent performance in the following areas:

• Customer Service – Provide exceptional customer service to all employees, customers, vendors and other City departments.
• Ethics – Model and practice the highest standards of ethical conduct.
• Performance – Develop necessary skills from on-the-job training and meet standards of performance for the classification by the end of the probationary period. Work the necessary hours and times, including overtime as authorized for non-management staff, to complete goals, tasks, and objectives.
• Safety – Ensure the duties of the position are performed in a safe and efficient manner. Assume responsibility for maintaining a safe working environment.
• Teamwork – Foster a teamwork environment. Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Communications – Give and receive direction in English. Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
• Equipment – Operate or use all position-related software, equipment and tools effectively and safely.
• Cyber Security – Actively participate in maintaining a secure computing environment by adhering to and implementing City cybersecurity policies, procedures, and best practices. This includes understanding common cyber threats such as phishing and malware, and promptly reporting suspicious activities.

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

An equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions and provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English or a related field is required. A Master's Degree in the above-stated areas is desirable.

Experience

Eight years of progressively responsible experience in marketing, communications, community engagement or public relations is required three years of which must include experience working in a supervisory or management capacity in a union environment. Experience managing communications in municipal government is highly desirable.

Transportation

A valid California Class C driver's license is required.

Click here to view the complete class specification outlining all job duties and requirements:

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed indoors in an office setting.

Work is primarily performed Monday to Friday during regular office hours.

Evening, weekend and holiday work will be required.

Emergency response may be required 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including nights, weekends and holidays.

Exceptional Customer Service Policy

The City of Glendale values quality customer service and takes pride in the exceptional service provided by every employee. As a part of the Glendale team, we are dedicated to delivering courteous, considerate, and personalized attention to our diverse community and to one another.

Please click on the link to read the Exceptional Customer Service Policy.

EVALUATION OF APPLICATION

All applications, resumes and submitted reference materials will be reviewed and evaluated and only the best-qualified candidates based on applicable experience and education will be invited to the selection process.

ORAL INTERVIEW: (Weight: 100%)

To evaluate the applicant's experience, education, and general background for the position. Candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70.00% in order to be placed on the eligible list.

TIME AND PLACE OF THE EXAMINATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED

Evaluations will be based on the candidate's education and experience relevant to the position. Examinations will assess evaluate the candidate's education, experience, knowledge and skills related to the job. The City of Glendale reserves the right to modify the examination components or their weighting. If changes are necessary, candidates will be informed of the specific examination components and their weight before the examination is administered. The selected candidate will undergo a background check, including Livescan fingerprinting. The City of Glendale complies with state and federal obligations to provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with special needs are encouraged to inform the Human Resources Department at least five days before the first examination to ensure reasonable accommodations can be arranged. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract.