Director of Communications

Department: Office of Communications

City of Syracuse residency is required for this position. If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.

Job Description

The City of Syracuse is seeking an accomplished Director of Communications with at least 5 years of communications experience, ideally within a government setting. The City is seeking an individual to assume its communications leadership role within a complex network of constituents, government, business, and non-profit stakeholders.

The candidate must have a thorough working knowledge of multiple communications tools and the ability to transform that knowledge into engaging and useful messaging, delivered to the appropriate audiences through the most effective distribution channels.

The Director of Communications manages the City of Syracuse's internal/external messaging, setting strategy, leading public relations and media relations, developing brand voice, overseeing content (digital, print, video), leading teams, managing budgets, and often acting as a key spokesperson to shape public perception and build stakeholder relationships. The Director oversees the flow of communication and information to the public and acts as the key point of contact, directing marketing and public relations campaigns.

The Director of Communications will work closely with a senior peer group within the organization as the communications partner on a variety of strategic initiatives.

Key responsibilities include crafting strategic plans, managing crisis communications and media, and ensuring consistent brand messaging across all channels, requiring strong leadership and strategic thinking.

The Director of Communications will report to the Deputy Mayor/Chief of Staff and work closely with the senior team and department head-level staff.

Typical Work Activities

• Strategy & Planning: Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies for internal and external audiences.
• Media & Public Relations: Manage media relations, build media contacts, write press releases, and serve as a spokesperson.
• Brand Management: Define and maintain the city's brand voice, tone, and integrity across all platforms.
• Content Creation: Oversee the creation of diverse content, including digital, video, audio, and print materials.
• Internal Communications: Manage internal communications to keep employees informed and engaged.
• Team Leadership: Supervise and guide communications, marketing, and design teams.
• Budget & Metrics: Create and manage the communications budget and track engagement using data.
• Event Management: Work with departments to ensure effective City of Syracuse government-sponsored events.
• Constituent Engagement: Create and successfully execute opportunities to engage with residents, particularly communities within the city with a lower level of engagement with City events, programs, etc.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate the annual communications plan across various sectors, including corporate, non-profit, and government.
• Lead the generation of online content that engages audience segments and leads to measurable action.
• Activate communications vehicles in place to create momentum and awareness as well as to test the effectiveness of communications activities.
• Manage the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral, including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, and the city’s website.
• Mentor and lead a team member responsible for the city of Syracuse communications administration and coordination
• Coordinate webpage maintenance—ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly.
• Track and measure the level of engagement within the network over time.
• Manage development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic networks including, but not limited to, newsletters, brochures, reports, e-newsletters, and the city's website.
• Manage all media contacts.

Essential Skills and Minimum Qualifications

• Typically requires 5 years in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism. Experience in government communications is preferred.
• Leadership: Ability to unite teams, innovate, and adapt quickly.
• Communication: Exceptional writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term communication plans.
• Crisis Management: Skill in handling sensitive situations and public statements.

Additional Skills and Attributes:

• Highly collaborative style with experience developing and implementing communications strategies
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing multiple key initiatives concurrently
• Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines
• High energy, maturity, and leadership, with the ability to serve as a unifying force and position communications discussions at both strategic and tactical levels
• Sincere commitment to working collaboratively with all constituent groups
• Self-starter who is able to work independently and enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan

Click here to apply

The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. The City also complies with 31 CFR part 51. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov.

The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check with regard to the employment sought.