Description
Position is open until filled. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.
Westerville is a vibrant city of more than 40,000 residents and a leader in job creation in the region. The community boasts 41 parks and a recently expanded, state-of-the-art, indoor recreation facility. Westerville, commonly referred to as “a city within a park”, operates an accredited, nationally recognized Parks & Recreation system. Westerville’s strategic location, coupled with its innovative spirit and full offering of attractively priced municipal utilities, has made it a leading choice for new and expanding businesses.
If this sounds like a community you want to be a part of, apply now!
The Community Affairs Director is an experienced, management-level public relations professional who leads the communication division of the City of Westerville. Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the director develops and executes an annual strategic plan to achieve the communication objectives of the City. Responsibilities include public and media relations, reputation and brand management and public information compliance. Disciplines within the Community Affairs division include but are not implemented graphic design, special events, publications, marketing, social media management and community engagement initiatives.The director advises senior leadership (City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Chief of Staff) on communication issues and opportunities. This professional position also works in collaboration with the Clerk of Council in service to Westerville City Council.
SUPERVISION
Reports to the Chief of Staff
Essential Functions Of Work
- Leads an award-winning, multi-disciplinary team across communication disciplines;
- Builds trust and rapport with City teams, community organizations and media representatives;
- Operates and adheres to professional ethical standards (e.g., Public Relations Society of America);
- Acts as an organizational influencer, collaborating with department heads and managers to achieve the City’s administrative vision and strategic priorities;
- Actively manages the City of Westerville brand, surveilling social media and customer service touchpoints to protect and preserve reputation and overall transparency.
- Responsible for annual budget development and compliance.
Minimum Requirements Of Work
- Ten years minimum experience in professional public relations position; management experience preferred;
- Demonstrated strategic communication plan development;
- Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills;
- Skilled in responsive, decisive crisis communication, including National Incident Management Systems/FEMA communication responsibilities;
- Publication and production experience;
- Public speaking, presentation, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening skills;
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;
- Dedicated to personal and team professional development, including professional association membership/involvement;
- Excellent customer/citizen service principles and experience;
- Preferred: experience in government relations;
- Knowledge of and adherence to community relations principles and practices.
- Bachelor's degree: Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs or related field of study
- Minimum 10 years progressively responsible experience in public relations
- Requires a valid Driver’s License
Health Benefits
Employees pay 15% of the monthly medical insurance premium through United Healthcare which includes prescription coverage. Employee, Employee plus child(ren), Employee plus spouse and family coverage is available. However, a spouse who has affordable health care coverage through their employer must elect that coverage as primary. The City health care plan is a high deductible healthcare plan.
HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT
Annually, the City will deposit 85% of your health insurance deductible amount into an HSA account in your name.
VISION AND DENTAL
The City pays 100% of the premium for dental and vision. Coverage levels will be explained in further detail at time of hire.
LIFE INSURANCE
The City pays 100% of the premium on a $100,000 life insurance policy for employee and $10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for child.
RETIREMENT PENSION
The City contributes 14% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System. The employee pension payment share is 10% of gross salary.
VACATION
New employees accrue two weeks of paid vacation every year. Vacation time increases with length of service time.
PERSONAL LEAVE
Employees receive 6 prorated days of personal leave annually.
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Do you possess ten years minimum experience in a professional public relations position?
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Do you possess a bachelor's degree: Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs or related field of study?
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How did you learn about this position?
- www.westerville.org website
- Governmentjobs.com website
- Indeed.com (career board)
- LinkedIn.com (career board)
- Careerbuilder.com (career board)
- City Employee
- Friend
- Career (Job) Fair
- CareerBoard.com (career board)
- Other website not listed
- Other
- Required Question
