Summary
Description
Job Summary
The Communications and Community Engagement Director provides strategic leadership for all Town-wide communications, marketing, media relations, digital platforms, brand management, and community engagement efforts. This role oversees the Communications and Community Engagement Department, including staff and external consultants, and ensure the accurate, timely, and transparent sharing of information with residents, businesses, regional partners, and visitors.
The Director serves as a key advisor to the Town Manager, leadership team, and elected officials, guiding public messaging and engagement strategies for major initiatives, long-range planning efforts, and emergency situations. This position requires frequent interaction with the public, media, advisory committees, community organizations, and other governmental agencies, and includes present to Town Council and facilitating community engagement sessions. This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA).
Supervision: This position works under the general supervision of the Town Manager.
Department Overview:
The Communications and Community Engagement Department serves as a centralized communications resource for the entire Town organization. The department manages the Town of Superior website and the Superior Community Center website; produces all outgoing email and social media communications; develops marketing assets for Town programs and events; facilitates press releases; and collaborates with law enforcement and fire personnel on emergency communications. The team also produces a news and lifestyle magazine mailed to all Town households.
In addition, the department leads community engagement efforts, advising staff and contractors and administering the ShapeSuperior.com engagement platform. The team is actively involved in community relations, responding to reside n inquiries and addressing concerns as the arise. The department is supported by four full-time Communications Specialists with defined roles who are able to collaborate across all communication functions as needed.
Hiring Range: $132,394 – $166,197 annually DOQ
Essential Job Duties
- Organize and oversee all functions of the Communications and Community Engagement Department, including public information, marketing, digital and print communications, community relations, and brand management.
- Serve as the Town’s communications advisor on community engagement strategies and manage the ShapeSuperior.com digital engagement platform.
- Establish, implement, and continuously improve departmental policies, procedures, and operational systems.
- Direct the development and execution of strategic communication, media relations, and public engagement plans.
- Oversee content creation, design, and management of the Town’s website, social media channels, newsletters, publications, and other communication platforms.
- Serve as Editor-in-Chief of Hello Superior, the Town’s full-color magazine and newsletter mailed to all households quarterly.
- Act as the Town’s primary communications official and spokesperson when designated; coordinate and prepare additional spokespersons as needed.
- Review and coordinate communication strategies for Town projects, initiatives, and public processes.
- Advise the Town Manager, leadership team, and elected officials on communication strategies, messaging, and public perception.
- Prepare and present clear, accurate oral and written reports to the Town Council and advisory committees.
- Establish departmental priorities; assign work; monitor progress; and evaluate staff and consultant performance.
- Manage complex service contracts related to marketing, branding, digital services, and engagement technologies.
- Lead and support community engagement activities tied to Town initiatives and long-range planning efforts.
- Prepare analytical reports, strategic recommendations, and communication plans for Town leadership.
- Collaborate across departments and with partner agencies to ensure consistent and effective communication operations.
- Monitor professional trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in communications and public engagement.
- Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget; oversee expenditures and fiscal accountability.
- Respond to inquiries from residents, media representatives, elected officials, and other stakeholders.
- Coordinate with departments, consultants, partner agencies, and legal counsel to ensure compliance with communication standards and messaging requirements.
- Serve as steward of the Town’s Communications Plan, brand guidelines, and core values.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, strategic communications, marketing, media relations, brand management, and community engagement.
- Knowledge of local government operations, policies, procedures, and organizational structure.
- Knowledge of crisis and emergency communications, including coordination with public safety agencies.
- Knowledge of Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) and public transparency requirements.
- Knowledge of budget development, organizational management, and departmental policy implementation.
- Knowledge of digital communication tools, social media platforms, engagement software, and website administration.
- Skills in building productive relationships with staff, leadership, elected officials, boards and commissions, media, and the public.
- Skills in communicating complex or sensitive information clearly, professionally, and persuasively.
- Skills in managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Skills in leading, mentoring, and motivating staff while fostering a collaborative team culture.
- Skills in analyzing programs, policies, and operational processes to improve effectiveness.
- Skills in facilitating public meetings, engagement sessions, and community forums.
- Skills in Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adapting to evolving circumstances.
- Skills in using design and communication tools such as Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office.
- Ability to present information confidently and effectively in public settings.
- Ability to develop and implement short- and long-term communication and engagement strategies, adjusting as conditions change.
- Ability to balance diverse departmental needs and manage expectations across the organization.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain composure in high-pressure or sensitive situations.
- Ability to build and sustain strong relationships with media outlets and community partners.
- Ability to evaluate performance and provide constructive feedback to staff.
- Ability to work independently while contributing as a collaborative member of the leadership team.
- Ability to interpret and communicate policies, procedures, and technical information accurately.
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
Supplemental Information
Education and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing, public administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
- Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public information, marketing, or community engagement.
- Three to five years of supervisory or management experience; local government experience preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
