The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) is a policy level position responsible for the Department's overall communication strategy and initiatives. The CCO would work, on the Director's behalf, with: local, state, and federal elected and appointed individuals; neighborhood groups; and, local business and trade groups, including the Indy Chamber.
The following list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.Oversees and directs all Department communication and outreach efforts with the media, mayor's office, council, constituents, etc.
Reports to the Director of the Department with oversight provided by the Mayor's Communications Director.
Participates in the department's emergency response leadership team; provides communication and liaison functions during city emergency operation center activation, emergency support functions, crisis events, and civic sponsored special events.
Guides research issues on advocacy and social issues that impact neighborhood quality of life.
Maintain the Department's "story" and culture; provide guidance on improving morale and perception.
Supervises all department marketing, advertising, web, and outreach efforts and contracts.
Provides and guides public policy information on related legislation; provide guidance on national trends, funding opportunities and communications with councilors, legislators, and stake holders.
Serves as Department's public and media spokesperson(s).
Prepares press releases, arranges news conferences, and coordinates interaction between the media and the department.
Writes, edits, and produces brochures, catalogs, newsletters, specialized publications, websites, and social media.
Plan department events.
Write speeches and communications for the director.
Maintain a media communication list.
Works with Mayor's Office and other city/county departments on joint projects and internal and external citizens' concerns and/or issues.
Represent the department at neighborhood, city, state, regional, and national groups at meetings and events, including after business hours and weekends.
With department staff, identify and develop proposed department policy statements for review by director.Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Government, or Public Administration from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of experience in related work. Effective communications, research/analytical, and computer skills are required. Excellent writing and verbal communications skills are required and critical for this position. Ability to coordinate several projects and work with deadlines. Ability to interact with media and citizens is required. Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with a full range of elected and appointed officials. Effective budget management, oral and written communications, staff development, and computer skills are required.Helps to establish and/or ensure policies and procedures for the Department are adhered to in an effective manner. Independent judgment is regularly utilized when there are no available policies and procedures and errors in judgment may cause inconsistencies and inconveniences that are highly visible to the public.