THIS POSITION IS OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY
RESUME & COVER LETTER REQUIRED
The City of Eugene is seeking a Communications Director to lead and direct the City of Eugene’s city-wide communications and public relations program. The Communications Director is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team and the City Manager’s Office leadership team. The City Manager's Office collaborates across the organization and with other partners to align City work with City Council direction and community values, support elected and appointed officials, and promote an informed and engaged public.
Salary Range: $118,684.80 - $160,222.40 Annually. The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.
Department/Division: Central Services Department / City Manager’s Office
Location: 500 East 4th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97401. Must reside in the state of Oregon and be able to report onsite for work as needed in Eugene, OR to meet business needs.
Schedule: Full Time, Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with ability to work occasional evening hours.
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click the Benefits Tab, or visit this summary page as well as this benefits package page.
Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.
What to Expect from Our Application Process: Please see our How to Apply page for more information on our application process.
Please submit the following with your online application:
- A cover letter in which you clearly describe how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job announcement.
- A resume of your educational and professional work experience including the number of professional staff directly supervised in each role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manages, plans, organizes, and directs a comprehensive, organization-wide communications and public information/public relations program; develops and implements policies, procedures, processes, and methods consistent with strategic priorities to facilitate communications/public information/public relations functions throughout the city organization.
- Works with elected and appointed officials, Executive Directors, and City staff to bring a strategic, organization-wide perspective to Communications and balance competing needs across different departments and program areas.
- Develops strategies, work plans, program goals, objectives, policies, and budget proposals; consults with executive leadership to confirm current priorities. Plans and organizes assignments in the Communications program area to achieve established objectives, including assigning work activities, projects, and programs; reviewing and evaluating work products, methods, and procedures; completing or directing staff in completing assigned projects.
- Researches, analyzes, recommends and implements new processes and practices; recommends changes in structure, policies, procedures, and methods related to communications and public information/public relations; proposes strategies for implementing changes; oversees implementation of changes.
- Develops, prepares, and presents reports, surveys, and other administrative activities; presents to Executive Managers and/or the City Council.
- Models respectful working relationships and creates a workplace that supports all employees; supports City leadership in successfully responding to the changing needs of a diverse organization and the commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Facilitates staff development on such issues as diversity and creating a respectful working environment.
- Coordinates the development and implementation of public information activities, responds to requests from the public, prepares press releases, and responds to questions from the media. Plans and attends community meetings to discuss issues and community needs. Evaluates and incorporates public input into program planning.
- Serves as a liaison to other departments, outside agencies, committees, commissions, and the public. Serves on or provides professional staff support to a variety of City committees and task teams.
- Performs other duties, as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university related to the program area, with major coursework in public information, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or a closely related field preferred.
Experience: Six years professional experience in communications, public relations, or public information, including three years of experience supervising professional staff. Experience working for a public agency is preferred.
Licenses and Certifications: Possession of or ability to obtain relevant National Incident Management System certifications from the Federal Emergency Management Agency within 12 months. Possession of, or ability to obtain, and maintain an appropriate, valid Oregon driver's license; must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard.
Additional Requirements:
MUST PASS A BACKGROUND CHECK
The ideal candidate will have the following Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of: Advanced principles, practices, procedures and methods in Communications and Public Relations program management.
- Latest trends and methods in the communications/public relations arena, including modern office methods, practices, procedures, and automation tools.
- In-depth knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, policies and regulations and impact in the Communications program area.
- Research and data analysis methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
- Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Skills and Ability to:
- Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing inside and outside of the organization to convey organizational direction.
- Design and develop specialized programs related to communications; Evaluate impact of program decisions upon the organization.
- Conduct long-range planning, including the preparation of work plans and coordination of project teams.
- Direct, manage and review technical work completed by staff and others throughout the organization; Coaching, mentoring, and developing employees by encouraging a team environment across interdependent teams.
- Work independently, prioritize and resolve issues, complete various and conflicting work assignments in a dynamic environment.
- Exercise diplomacy, discretion, and tact in dealing with sensitive, complex, and highly confidential situations.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion. Work towards creative problem solving involving sensitive situations and issues.
- Provide courteous customer service to and work effectively with the general public, the media, supervisors, co-workers, employees, union representatives, and employee organizations representing various diverse backgrounds.
- Research and analyze a variety of complicated information and data, interpret, and make recommendations based on research findings, write reports, create spreadsheets, and present information to department managers and City officials.
- Ability to adjust to differing organizational structures, cultures, leadership, and work styles.
- Proficient use of computers and related software applications, online tracking systems, Internet research tools, and reporting applications.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community. As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce. Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
ADA Compliance: The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.
Immigration Reform and Control Act Compliance: In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.