The Director is responsible for developing and directing the City-wide communications and engagement program. Serving as the communications advisor to the City Manager, the Director is responsible for coordinating accurate and accessible information to keep the public and City staff informed. The anticipated hiring range for this position is $135,000- $175,000 per year, depending on qualifications and experience. First reading of applications on: December 28, 2022.

The city is seeking a seasoned leader to establish a transformative department in local governmental communications. The ideal candidate will be acquainted with the current state of local journalism, digital and social media, and communications in the local governmental industry. The city’s Director of Communications and Engagement will work in an environment focusing on collaboration and will be committed to establishing an industry leading communications approach within the organization and community. The Director will be leading a newly established department and should have experience managing and developing a team and providing direction in communication decisions. The director will join the executive leadership team to assist in the decision making, policy analysis and a variety of other projects and will readily engage with both city staff and the community to build positive relationships.

With over 300 days of sunshine, and just 30 miles from Rocky Mountain National Park in the heart of northern Colorado, Loveland is an ideal community for anyone to call home. Known as the Sweetheart City, this vibrant cultural hub is home to nearly 500 sculptures and public art installations, the world-famous Valentine Remail Program, and picturesque views of the Rocky Mountains. The community is bustling with a thriving arts, brewery, foodie and shopping scene. Enjoy headliner concert and theatre productions, professional hockey events, endless community recreation and open space opportunities, art and sculpture shows, and several local festivals. Loveland also boasts an award-winning golf course and an inclusive library and community center. Loveland, Colorado has EVERYTHING YOU LOVE! In 2020, Loveland was the only Colorado City to win the Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, is the top residential recycling City in the state for 6 consecutive years and has been ranked as one of the top places to live, work and raise a family in the U.S. and as one of the Most Idyllic Picturesque towns in America.

Apply today to join more than 800 employees who work to meet the core values of: Accountability & Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness. The City of Loveland is a diverse and welcoming community organization, and our employees enjoy a competitive benefits program, various opportunities for growth and development, and an exceptional work-life balance.

A vibrant community, surrounded by natural beauty, where you belong!

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• Employee Health & Wellness Center (self/family)
• Paid vacation, holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Discounted recreation passes
• Employee recognition program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Communications, including identifying key stakeholders and target audiences, as well as maintaining and establishing routine communication structures to ensure stakeholders are kept informed and engaged
• Support executive communication and thought leadership efforts.
• Responsible for short- and long-term comprehensive communications strategy for the City’s internal and external communications, encompassing both digital and traditional media engagement, branding, messaging, web and digital media.
• Develop and oversee community engagement programming and developing to enhance information flow between city and the community.
• Advance transparent and timely external and internal communications, supporting internal communications and engagement through employee communication channels that promote events and key initiatives.
• Establish and maintain lines of communication and understanding between all city departments, stakeholders, regional partners, the press, and the community.
• Responsible for emergency and crisis communications in coordination with local and regional emergency operations communication teams.
• Maintain guide to ensure consistency among all written materials across the organization
• Plan, direct, coordinate and review the work of the Office of Communication’s team, including digital communications and media, public information, and engagement team members; assign work activities, projects, and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Coordinate, author, edit, and publish various City publications, scripts, press releases and presentations; oversee writing, design, and printing functions, write, and produce public service announcements and programming.
• Implement and refine the Citywide Communication and Engagement Roadmap.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Outreach to departments to assist in proactively addressing issues and guiding communication strategies.
• Coordinates cross-promotion of programs and services across the organization through various communication tools.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors to ensure deliverables are aligned with quality and content standards.
• Coordinates training for employees on various communications tools.
• Coordinates regular meetings for City communications staff across the organization and attends department/division meetings to plan communication efforts.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:
This position is a second-line supervisor responsible for supervision of first-line supervisors and may also supervise non-exempt and/or exempt employee(s).
Director reporting to the City Manager and responsible for the following:

• Oversees department and is responsible for formulating, administering, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Develops and implement plans and objectives for the department in an effective and innovative manner.
• Provides complex guidance and manages matters of significance.
• Directs the operational, financial, and hiring decisions within the department.
• Collaborates with executive leadership team to develop innovative solutions and propose those to senior leadership.
• Regularly interacts, communicates, and collaborates with leadership.
• Ownership of short to mid-term strategy execution and operational direction in alignment with senior leadership objectives.
• Develops, coordinates, and maintains strategic and operational plans consistent with the company’s strategic direction.
• Oversees and reports on results to senior management.
• Retains a diverse, highly qualified staff and provides career coaching, growth, and personal development for direct/indirect report employees.
• Champions and embodies the company’s mission, vision, values, and culture.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge, skills and abilities:
Required: Ability to critically analyze complex issues and determine appropriate messaging and communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely. Must have excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. Must be able to work independently with limited direction and supervision. Ability to lead City-wide communication efforts and serve as a resource for other departments/divisions on complex and, at times, emergency and/or confidential matters. Ability to develop deliverables to include letters, news releases, flyers, and presentations to targeted audience. Strong computer skills and software proficiency; proficient in Microsoft Office Suite with strong knowledge of website management and social marketing, promotions and advertising are required. Knowledge and experience with Adobe Suite Software (In-Design, Illustrator and Photo Shop). and social media tools and platforms required. Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize in a dynamic work environment. Ability to work collaboratively with both internal and external partners. Excellent customer service skills as demonstrated by mediating/facilitating resolutions to problems, concerns, and issues. Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment and understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.

Preferred: Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, municipal codes and ordinances

Core competencies: Accountability, Integrity, Transparency & Honoring the Public Trust, Collaboration, Innovation, Safety, Excellent Service with Courtesy and Kindness

Education and/experience
Minimum of seven years progressively responsible media relations, public relations and/or journalism experience required.

Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, journalism, public administration or a related field from an accredited curriculum, or equivalent required.

An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may substitute for education requirement on a year-for-year basis.

Master’s degree in marketing or communications preferred.

Licensure and/or certifications:
Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Material and equipment directly used:
Computer, fax/copy machine, software applications, phone and digital media/production equipment.

Working conditions and physical requirements:
The work environment is primarily in an office setting but will be required to drive to various city offices and locations for meetings and appointments, as well as attend outside events sponsored by the City. This position will require evening and weekend hours on occasion. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Loveland provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

A driving record and criminal history background check will be obtained pre-employment.