Town of Kittery - Director of Communications

Start Date: July 03, 2024 | End Date: September 03, 2024
County: York County
Job Type: Manager

The Town of Kittery has an opening for a Director of Communications.  The Typical schedule for this position is generally Monday through Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the option of a hybrid work schedule.  Additional availability may be required for meetings.  The pay range for this salaried-exempt, non-union position is $65,000 to $75,000 annually.  This position is eligible for medical, dental, life insurance, short-term disability and retirement benefits.

Purpose

The purpose of this position is to broaden awareness of the Town’s goals, priorities, services and accomplishments; develop and implement the Town’s communication strategies and initiatives including curation of presence, branding and messaging, collaborate with other departments on communication campaigns, develop designs, materials, and messaging for print, social and electronic media communication efforts.  This position exercises professional judgment, and initiative in implementing communication strategies.  This position reports to the Town Manager. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all- inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Manage and implement an integrated strategic communication plan that manages the Town’s brand identity, broadens awareness of goals, priorities, services, and accomplishments, ensures communication strategies are consistent and reflect the Town’s vision and customer-centric approach;
• Assist in designing communication efforts on complex and broad topics in a manner that is accessible and engaging to all audiences, curate information to be relevant to the needs and interests of the community;
• Design and distribute content via the Town’s website, print materials, social media, video, and other standard and emerging communication vehicles; manage the Town’s website and primary social media accounts;
• Assist other departments on the development, design, and messaging of communication campaigns about their activities, projects, initiatives, and service impacts; ensure communications are consistent with the brand and quality standards of the Town;
• Develop positive relationships internally and externally including with area media, organizations, and others to cover and amplify Town communications positively;
• Identify trends, challenges, or information gaps that may impact the goals or objectives of the Town and develop solutions for planning, monitoring or action;
• Develop and oversee mechanisms to measure the success of the communication efforts and strategies, and recommend solutions for advancing, sustaining, or improving success;
• Utilize appropriate tools to design images that can be produced by others for signage, banners, print materials, apps, and other collateral materials;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field, with a minimum of three-year’s experience in communications, or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills, ability to communicate and collaborate and effectively, in an appropriately engaging and professional manner, to convey or exchange information, with diverse groups and individuals, including community members and organizations, other town employees, and beyond;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with employees, supervisors, staff, vendors, and general public;
• Ability to exercise initiative and good judgement, to set priorities and complete efforts independently and as a member of a team;
• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully and with respect for the rights of others;
• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action;
• Ability to read, utilize, and interpret a variety of professional, technical and administrative documentation, directions, regulations, instructions, methods and procedures;
• Ability to produce content that is accurate and complete.

Physical Requirements

The physical abilities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be physically able to operate a variety of machines and equipment, including, but not limited to: computer, keyboard, printer, calculator, telephone, copy/scanner machines, postage machine and shredder;
• Must be able to move or carry job-related objects and materials up to 50 pounds;
• Must be physically capable of reaching to obtain and move various books, printouts, file boxes, computer paper, etc.;
• Must be able to communicate clearly through speech and in writing;
• Work is normally performed in an office environment; must be able to sit for long periods of time.

To complete an application, please visit www.kitteryme.gov/employment and submit a cover letter, resume and three professional references to:

Town of Kittery

Attn: Human Resources

200 Rogers Road, Kittery, ME 03904

jobs@kitteryme.org

Accepting application packets until the position is filled.

The Town of Kittery is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to excellence through diversity in its staff.  We strongly encourage all qualified individuals to apply.