Communications Director, City of Norfolk

Under immediate direction of the Human Resources Director, plans, organizes and develops communication and public relations activities for the City; manages the flow of information to the public as well assists other staff in marketing services provided by the City.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

-Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases, holding press conferences and acting as media liaison to disseminate agency related information to inform and educate the public;
-Monitors media coverage on radio, newspaper, television and online formats and responds to media inquiries;
-Consults with department officials in responding to media inquiries and promoting department programs and services;
-Prepares, reviews, and edits news conferences, press releases, articles, brochures, etc.
-Maintains close contact with local media including newspaper, radio and television stations;
-Collects data and reviews materials for media relations use;
-Establishes and maintains close relationships with representatives of community, Chamber of Commerce, service groups, schools, employee and public interest groups;
-Conducts and/organizes public appearances, lectures or exhibits in order to increase awareness and to promote goodwill for the agency;
-Confers with agency personnel to identify trends and key group interests and public concerns;
-Learns technical information and function of all divisions;
-Speaks to various groups to provide information which may include delivering speeches and presentations;
-Serves as public information resource for the City by directing media inquiries to the appropriate elected official or City staff member;
-Arranges and assists other City staff in the preparation of presentations to provide citizens with information relating to a service or program;
-Manages special events through marketing and advertising;
-Researches extensively topic areas for articles or presentations;
-Takes photographs of City-related activities and projects or assigns other staff to capture photographs;
-Serves as the Public Information Officer in a City-wide disaster;
-Utilizes email delivery systems for communication with the public such as Constant Contact, eGov, etc.
-Performs related work as required.

JOB STANDARDS/SKILLS:

Must have knowledge of advertising, marketing and civic affairs; must have the ability to deal with the public; must have excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to supervise others; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, subordinates, peers and supervisors; ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and in making decisions; ability to give verbal and written instructions; must have HTML, Web page editing skills; ability to use a variety of computer software for presentations and the delivery of information via the internet; must be proficient in photo techniques the use of photography data and software; four-year degree in journalism, communications or public relations related field desirable.

JOB LOCATION:

City of Norfolk
309 N. 5th Street

EQUIPMENT:

Computer and related software, printers, scanner, telephone, copier, calculator and other related office equipment.

NON ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

As assigned.