Communications Director

Deliverable to residents:

The Communications Director leads the City of New Orleans' strategic communications on behalf of the Mayor, ensuring that residents receive clear, timely, honest, and accessible information about city services, priorities, programs, and actions. The Communications Director manages the Mayor's Communications Office, oversees all proactive and responsive messaging, and serves as the Mayor's primary liaison to the media. This role shapes the public narrative around the administration's work, advances transparency, and strengthens trust between city government and the people of New Orleans.Ensure residents receive clear, accurate, and accessible information about city services, programs, and priorities — helping residents understand how government works for them and ensuring transparency, responsiveness, and trust.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advise the Mayor and senior leadership on message development, public narrative, timing, and communications strategy related to major initiatives, events, crises, and policy rollouts
• Develop and implement a citywide strategic communications plan that advances the Mayor's priorities through proactive messaging, rapid response, and multi-platform communications
• Track progress against communications goals and regularly brief the Mayor on impact, reach, and engagement. Serve as the Mayor's primary spokesperson and media point of contact
• Build and maintain productive, professional relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets
• Oversee preparation of press advisories, press releases, public statements, and media briefings
• Organize and manage press conferences, interviews, background briefings, and public announcements
• Ensure the Mayor is fully prepared for press engagements, including briefing materials, talking points, and follow-up guidance
• Oversee development of speeches, written remarks, statements, op-eds, and video messages for the Mayor
• Ensure all public communications reflect high editorial standards, accuracy, consistency, and alignment with the Mayor's vision and voice
• Ensure communications strategies reach residents across all neighborhoods, languages, and demographic groups
• Work with CAO, CIO, department heads, and agency leaders to gather accurate information and ensure timely public updates on city services, emergencies, infrastructure projects, and policy changes
• Support crisis communications in partnership with the Mayor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (MOHSEP), including rapid response, emergency notifications, and recovery messaging
• Collaborate with the City Council, community leaders, and external partners to ensure coordination in public communications when appropriate
• Lead, manage, and mentor a multidisciplinary communications team, providing clear strategic direction, editorial oversight, and professional development
• Manage communications workflows, media monitoring, and editorial calendars
• Ensure adherence to public records requirements and city policies
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, media studies, English, public administration, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 5 years of progressively responsible communications experience, including experience supporting a high-profile elected official, executive, or major public-facing institution
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with proven ability to translate complex information into clear, compelling messages
• Deep understanding of New Orleans' communities, civic institutions, culture, and media landscape preferred. Strong relationships with media and demonstrated success in managing press relations, crisis communications, and fast-paced communications environments
  
  

Benefits

Benefits information will be available in the future.