Job Description

Salary : $83,595.20 - $136,385.60 Annually

Location : Gastonia, NC

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 01551

Department: Communications & Marketing

Division: Communications & Marketing

Opening Date: 08/27/2024

Closing Date: 9/30/2024 5:00 PM Eastern

FLSA: Exempt

General Definition of Work

The Director of Communications and Marketing will lead the City of Gastonia's strategic communications and marketing efforts. This role involves developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance the City's public image, manage media relations, and engage with the community. The Director will work closely with city departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders to ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication of the City's goals, programs, and initiatives.

Essential Functions/Duties


The following job functions are typical for a position of this nature. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each function satisfactorily. Other job functions and duties may be required as assigned. Percentages for each function are subject to fluctuations.

Plans, develops, and directs a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external communications, marketing and advertising programs, and public relations efforts including developing policies, procedures, strategies, action plans, and associated materials for communication efforts initiated by the City
25%Develops and directs an effective external communications program for the City, including media and public relations. Serves as senior spokesperson for the City and manages other personnel designated as spokespersons for City matters. Guides Council, City Manager, and department heads on media issues affecting or involving the City and develops strategic media plans and responses to effectively address those issues. Develops and manages plans and personnel responsible for providing ongoing information on City services, programs, and newsworthy events to citizens, media, and other external audiences using appropriate communication channels including news releases/alerts, meetings with reporters, social media, etc.
25%Directs a comprehensive and effective employee communications program for the City, managing and supervising personnel who gather, produce, and disseminate ongoing information relevant to City employees, their jobs, benefits, and morale. Develops and provides strategic or critical information and messaging on sensitive or controversial topics affecting employees
15%Directly manages City's marketing communications and advertising campaigns, developing branding and marketing messaging, working with both City communications personnel and freelance consultants on content, design, and placement of marketing and advertising material. Manages the City's advertising budget. Oversees use of all logos and other branding elements associated with the City and/or any of its departments
20%Prepares or provides guidance or assistance in the preparation of speeches, scripts, presentations, white papers, etc., for public information and promotional purposes
10%Provides individual and/or group training on media-related processes and procedures, effective marketing and advertising campaigns, communication writing, etc. Prepares periodic and special reports at the request of management; performs related work as assigned
5%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Comprehensive understanding of communication theories, principles, and best practices; Knowledge of public relations strategies and media relations; Familiarly with crisis communication planning and execution
• Strong grasp of marketing concepts, including market research, campaign development, and brand management; Knowledge of digital marketing trends, tools, and best practices; Understanding of advertising techniques across various media channels
• Understanding of community engagement and public participation strategies; Knowledge of regulatory and ethical considerations in public communications
• Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities; Proficiency in developing clear, concise, and persuasive content for various audiences; Strong public speaking and presentation skills
• Ability to develop, execute, and evaluate comprehensive communication and marketing strategies; Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Skilled in managing websites, social media platforms, and digital communication tools; Proficiency in content, including text, graphics, and video/audio production; Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate a team; Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships
• Ability to generate innovative ideas for communication and marketing campaigns; Strong sense of aesthetics and creativity in designing communication materials; Flexibility to adapt to changing trends and technologies
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication needs and measure effectiveness; capacity to identify and address potential issues proactively
• Ability to work collaboratively with various departments, stakeholders, and community groups; Strong networking skills to build relationships with media, partners, and influencers
• Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure, especially during crises; Flexibility to adapt to new challenges and changing environments
• Keen attention to detail in all aspects of communication and marketing; Ability to ensure accuracy and consistency in messaging and branding

Education/Experience/Physical Demands/Special Requirements/Additional Information



EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Minimally qualified starting pay: $46.54 hr.

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in English, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, or related field; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum of 7 - 10 years' experience in communications, public relations or marketing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
• Or any combination of education and experience
• Experience in NC local government operations, policies, and procedures preferred

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver's license
• NIMS IS-700 training within 12 months of hire
• Must be available for occasional evening and weekend events and meetings

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical activity of this position includes

• Fingering: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling.
• Talking: Expressing or exchanging ideas using the spoken word. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly.
• Hearing: Perceiving the nature of sounds at normal spoken word levels with or without correction. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine discriminations in sound, such as when making fine adjustments on machined parts.
• Repetitive Motions: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.

The physical requirements of this position

• Office Environment Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Office environment work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are categorized as office environment if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other Office Environment Work criteria are met.

The visual acuity requirements including color, depth perception, and field of vision
The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform one or more of the following

• Preparing and analyzing data and figures
• Transcription
• Computer Terminal
• Extensive reading

The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position
None:The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in a typical office or administrative work environment).

Drug screening, criminal background, and reference checks are required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The City of Gastonia is committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming. We value diversity and promise to honor your experiences, perspective, and unique identity.

The City of Gastonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/H)

High Deductible Health Plan with HSA
Dental
Vision
Life
Supplemental Insurance Plans
Pension (Local Government Employees' Retirement System)
401(k)
457
Short-term/Long-term Disability
Dependent Care Plan
Employee Assistance Program
On-Site Health Clinic
Employee Educational Assistance Program
Sick Leave (12 days per year)
Initial Employment Vacation: Starting at 12 days per year
Holidays (11 days per year)
Personal Day (1 day per year)

A comprehensive list of benefits can be found online at

Job Tags

Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Freelance, Local area, Afternoon shift,

Similar Jobs