Communications Director
Develops and implements a multi-channel strategy, managing communications materials, media relations, and advising the mayor on high-stakes appearances
Leads a team to produce diverse content, ensuring consistent messaging across city operations and managing the mayor's website and social media
Fosters media relationships, pitches stories, coordinates responses to inquiries, and collaborates with departments on crisis communication strategies
About the Company
Since her early days serving Phoenix on the City Council, Kate Gallego has been focused on creating the Phoenix of the future: a welcoming, thriving city with ample high-wage jobs and opportunities for all. As mayor, Kate spends every day focused on getting things done for Phoenix families. The results speak for themselves: Kate brought a historic $65 billion semiconductor manufacturing plant to Phoenix that’s creating thousands of great-paying career paths; she built coalitions to deliver critical improvements to parks, public safety, and city infrastructure; and she is partnering with ASU to build a brand-new medical school in downtown Phoenix. Kate is the second elected woman mayor in Phoenix history and one of the youngest big city mayors in the nation. She graduated from Harvard and holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. Though serving Phoenicians keeps her days busy and her heart full, her favorite job is being Michael’s mom.
About the Job
The Communications Director is responsible for overseeing and managing the Mayor's overall communication strategy, including developing and executing internal and external messaging, managing media relations, crafting press releases and written materials, and acting as the office’s primary spokesperson.
Responsibilities
Core responsibilities:
Establish and drive a multi-channel communications strategy across traditional and online media platforms
Prepare and manage communications materials including talking points, opinion columns, and speeches
Manage media relations and develop contacts with journalists, influencers, and community leaders
Prepare and advise the mayor on high-stakes media appearances
Lead a team of press and digital staff to ensure priorities are reaching target audiences; supervise the creation of digital, video, audio and print content
Work cross-functionally with departmental communications staff to ensure consistent messaging throughout City of Phoenix operations and channels
Track engagement across various platforms and make data-driven decisions
Oversee the Mayor’s annual State of the City speech, including acting as the project manager and lead writer of the speech
Oversee the team’s management and maintenance of the mayor’s official website and social media channels
Empower team to create and curate unique, authentic content to ensure timely and relevant updates about her work for Phoenix residents
Monitor online engagement and respond to inquiries or comments as appropriate
Spearheading Communications Strategies:
Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the office’s goals and priorities
Work closely with the Mayor's Chief of Staff and policy team to align messaging and branding
Work with departmental staff and external partners to develop compelling stories and foster community engagement through digital platforms, including interactive content when appropriate
Work closely with communications staff in Police, Fire, and other necessary departments to anticipate potential crises, prepare response strategies, and manage real-time communication during emergencies
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and trends to identify opportunities for improvement
Media Management:
Foster long-term working relationships with local and national reporters and producers
Pitch stories to local and national media on mayoral priorities
Coordinate with necessary staff to ensure timely and accurate responses to incoming inquiries from reporters, whether off the record, on background, or on the record
Qualifications
Strong initiative, assertiveness, and work ethic
Excellent judgment and sound intuition
Interest in public service and care for the people of Phoenix
Impeccable time management skills with the ability to multitask and pivot quickly
Strong writing skills with an eye for clarity and meaning
Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as necessary
Proficiency with major social media platforms and social media tools
Experience working with members of the media and handling sensitive information with discretion
