Director of Creative Services

The City of Lee’s Summit is a thriving, progressive community situated 16 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City. With an estimated population of over 107,000, Lee’s Summit has all the very best attributes of a small town while enjoying the amenities of a large city. Complemented by a growing business community and superior quality of life, Lee’s Summit has become one of the largest cities in Missouri. Lee’s Summit boasts an award-winning school system and holds national accreditations for its Parks and Recreation, Fire, Police and Public Works services. Lee’s Summit has a strong appreciation for arts, culture and entertainment, making it a vibrant place to live and work. The cultural scene includes public art installations, musical performances, theatre productions and Fourth Friday Art Walks. Recently named America’s Great Neighborhood by the American Planning Association, Lee’s Summit’s historic downtown district provides a unique network of restaurants, boutiques and businesses. Special events such as Oktoberfest and Downtown Days draw visitors from all over the Kansas City metro. Lee’s Summit offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With 30 parks, 92 miles of trails and numerous regional lakes, most residents live within close proximity to a recreational activity. Lee’s Summit continues to receive regional and national recognition for its endless amenities for residents of all ages. Among the notable recognitions, the city received gold certification as a Community for all Ages and was designated a Walk Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Community.

Job Summary
Are you a strategic communicator with a passion for storytelling and public engagement? The City of Lee’s Summit is seeking a director of creative services to lead its talented Creative Services Team. This leadership role will guide the City’s communications, marketing and branding efforts, ensuring consistent, engaging and impactful messaging across all platforms, connecting our community to its government. If you’re ready to make a difference through strategic communication and creative leadership, we want to hear from you!

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a directly related field required and
• Minimum of five years professional level experience managing a public relations/communications function in a complex organization or local government required and
• Minimum of two years previous supervisory experience required and
• Experience working with diverse forms of media required
• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience in local government administration preferred

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and abilities

• NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of principles, practices and emerging trends of public relations and public communication
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public information, media relations and community outreach project and program development
• Skills in the methods and techniques for the development of press releases, talking points, newsletters, presentations, business correspondence and information distribution
• Skills in public relations and news media relations
• Ability to apply principles and practices of strategic planning
• Ability to influence others and to remain flexible under considerable stress
• Ability to demonstrate outstanding leadership and communications skills in all areas of responsibilities
• Demonstrated skills in project management.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to guide, train, direct and motivate employees.
• Ability to organize and supervise the activities of others
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments and with suppliers, news media or the public as needed

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $114,112.00 - $171,173.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $114,112 - $171,173