Company Profile

Company Description:

JOB SUMMARY
The City of Buda, Texas is hiring a Communications Director to be responsible for media interactions for the City of Buda with the public, government entities and other medium in communicating the message and image of the organization. This is accomplished by taking notes, preparing press releases, writing scripts, producing and/or publishing photography and videos to market the city, individual departments, special events, and feature stories.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develops and implements strategic public relations campaigns to promote the city as an ideal place to live, work, establish a business, and visit.
• Produces and disseminates city communications, through community and employee newsletters, news releases, social media, podcast and website, to inform the public, volunteers, and city employees of current information regarding city operations, events, programs, and services.
• Develops and coordinates the production of flyers, brochures, newsletters, videos, and news releases; reviews materials for design, understanding and readability, format, style, content, grammar, and composition.
• Proactively develops and implements strategies for soliciting public input and addressing public comments.
• Works with city departments and Homeowners’ Associations by disseminating development and real time information.
• Works with Human Resources to share timely information within the organization to keep employee informed of activities and operations.
• Manage customer relationship management system and citizen requests through website.
• Creates videos on various subjects and is focused on creative storytelling.       
• Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events as well as the city’s position on legislative bills impacting the City of Buda and Hays County.
• Serves as the Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergency events.
• Manages all media relations, including but not limited to city management and City Council interviews, press briefings, and public information requests.
• Develops and maintains relationships with media and updates media contact list.
• Reports to emergency scenes and coordinates media response; acts as communications manager during disasters and public emergencies.
• Manages crisis management communications.
• Supports city departments in marketing/promotion efforts by coordinating publicity plans, press releases, special events coordination, and media related activities.
• Coordinates town hall meetings as requested by the public to facilitate exchange of information between city and community.
• Manages the maintenance, design, and development of the city’s website, overseeing the content, integration of multi-media, and the use of the website as a communications tool.
• Works with website consultants  on issues and improvement of city website.
• Oversees day-to-day management of city’s website and social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor, Instagram, etc.), including developing, writing, editing, and posting information; on-going monitoring; maintaining distribution lists; and gaining input from city staff, as necessary.
• Monitors and analyzes website and social media statistics; develops ways to improve website traffic and increase social media activity.
• Provides comprehensive research and project support for the City Manager, and when directed for council, boards, commissions, and committees.
• Manages City Manager external and internal communications, including City Manager newsletter.
• Publishes City newsletters and publishes video presentations to “tell Buda’s story” to the public, i.e. “Buda’s Back in the Day” and “Pay it Forward” projects.
• Recognizes situations which have publication and/or news value and promote recognition of city departments and programs.
• Exercises initiative, independent judgment, and confidentiality.
• Conveys a positive, professional image by action, communication and appearance.
• Exhibits regular, reliable and punctual attendance, which is an essential function of the job.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in communication, journalism, public relations, or a related field; and six (6) years of work experience in communication, journalism, or public relations; one (1) year of the required experience must have been in a lead or supervisory capacity. The preferred candidate will be prepared to give a presentation demonstrating written and public speaking skills including related to media interviews and City Council presentations.
Special Qualifications:
Preferred Certified Public Communicator certification.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of media and journalistic standards for oral and written communication.
• Knowledge of new and emerging trends in communication media and technology.
• Knowledge of municipal government policies and ordinances.
• Knowledge of theory of public communication, persuasion, rhetoric, and the mass media.
• Knowledge of thorough understanding of the Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements
• Skill in the use small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
• Skill in using computers for data entry.
• Skill in using computers for word processing and/or accounting purposes.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
• Skill in use of computer programs for producing publications.
• Skill in delivering public presentations.
• Skill in working effectively and efficiently without direct supervision.
• Skill in reading and comprehending city policies, budgets, goals, and programs.
• Skill in reading and understanding a wide variety of media sources, professional development materials and communication and media theory.
• Skill in writing and editing news releases, newsletters, website text, scripts, reports, advertisements, pamphlets, letters to the editor, and other forms of written communication; applies appropriate style guidelines.
• Skill in in website editing.
• Skill in audio, video, and digital formatting.
• Skill in understanding and explaining complex situations involving all city departments and functions.
• Ability to work remotely.
• Ability to teach in an audience setting.
• Ability to organize and communicate effectively.
• Soft skills in communication, team player, flexible, problem solver, accepting feedback, possessing confidence and creative thinking.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is light and includes exerting up to 20 pounds occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects and the following physical abilities: fingering, hearing, mental acuity, speaking, standing, talking, visual acuity, and walking.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is typically performed in a safe and secure work environment that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands. Presence at fire scenes, hazardous material incidents, or crime scenes to talk to the news media. Must have a flexible schedule for potential after work hours and weekends for any news or press releases to the public.  Must be able to supervise at least one employee and manage stressful work demands.