Chief Communications Officer - Department of Metropolitan Development

Overview

Reporting to the Director with oversight by the Mayor’s Communication Director, this position is an integral member of the Department of Metropolitan Development’s executive leadership team and is responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of strategic communications for the department. The incumbent oversees the management of the relationships with internal and external customers essential to accomplishing the mission of the department. Position is responsible for disseminating information on departmental services to the media, City County Council, and general public, as well as coordinating community needs with departmental programs and activities. 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. As a member of the department’s executive team, incumbent is expected to exercise initiative, creativity, and independent critical thinking skills. Incumbent works independently and directs a team on daily operations. Position reports to the Director.

Agency Summary

The purpose and mission of the Department of Metropolitan Development works to shape the city’s identity by strengthening people and places, building upon our history, and fostering visionary development. The DMD agency envisions the city as a growing, vibrant, and beautiful city where people are businesses thrive in an inclusive, world-class community. The agency is able to do this by cultivating a productive, collaborative, and compliant work environment in order for our workforce to meet the needs of the constituents of Indianapolis and Marion County.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer . All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs and coordinates all departmental communication with the media, Mayor’s Office, City-County Council, etc.
• Manages a broad range of communications, marketing and public relations activities and the strategic vision, planning and implementation of these activities for the Department of Metropolitan Development
• Works directly with the Mayor’s Office and other city and county departments on joint projects and internal and external citizens’ concerns and/or issues
• Ensures that department’s communication, marketing, and public relations strategies are well integrated and coordinated internally, as well as with other city departments
• Meets with citizens, business groups, neighborhood organizations, and other organizations to promote the Department of Metropolitan Development and the City of Indianapolis overall
• Prepares press releases, arranges news conferences, and coordinates interaction between the media and the department
• Serves as the department’s public and media spokesperson
• Develops proactive messages and storylines and coordinates media interest in the department by ensuring regular contact with target media and appropriate response(s) to media requests
• Coordinate all public responses through the Department of Metropolitan Development, the Mayor’s Office and other City and County agencies as necessary
• Advises director and staff on current media events and issues
• Oversees event planning and speechwriting for Director
• Maintains a media database and/or fax list
• Oversees the department website
• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of the department’s publications including, but not limited to, brochures, electronic communications, social media, memorandums, videos, and other promotional materials
• Develop, maintain, and implement multi-media materials summarizing the “DMD Story”
• Directs variety of special events and communications outreach activities to promote department’s initiatives and fulfill citywide goals
• Ensures evaluation systems are in place to measure effectiveness of goals, objectives, and activities.
• Supervises staff and makes personnel and management decisions
• Must maintain confidentiality at all times
• This 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
  
  

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements and Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Government, or Public Administration from an accredited college or university and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in related work. Effective communications, research/analytical, and computer skills are required. Excellent written 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.

Preferred Job Requirements And Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Government, or Public Administration from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of experience in related work. Effective communications, research/analytical, and computer skills are required. Excellent written 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.

Working Conditions

Working Conditions

Essential functions are regularly performed in an office setting without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Conditions

• Sitting at a desk the majority of the day
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10) pounds
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation
• Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals
• Tasks require the ability to communicate orally.
  
  

If your qualifications meet the requirements of the posted position, your application will be referred to the hiring agency. Once the agency receives your application, all further communication during the interview and selection process will be handled directly BY THE AGENCY . It is IMPERATIVE that you record the contact information of the individual who is scheduling your interview. City-County HR will not have access to this information, is not involved in the interview or selection process, and can only confirm whether an application has been referred. After selection of the successful candidate, an official offer of employment will be made by HR.