Community Affairs Director

Salary : $115,003.20 - $130,000.00 Annually

Location : Westerville OH 43081, OH

Job Type: Full-time

Job Number: 01225

Department: CITY MANAGER

Division: COMMUNITY AFFAIRS

Opening Date: 06/16/2025

Description

Position is open until filled. Applications are being reviewed as they are received.

The Community Affairs Director is an experienced, management-level public relations professional who leads the communication division of the City of Westerville. Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, the director develops and executes an annual strategic plan to achieve the communication objectives of the City. Responsibilities include public and media relations, reputation and brand management and public information compliance. Disciplines within the Community Affairs division include but are not implemented graphic design, special events, publications, marketing, social media management and community engagement initiatives.The director advises senior leadership (City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Chief of Staff) on communication issues and opportunities. This professional position also works in collaboration with the Clerk of Council in service to Westerville City Council.

SUPERVISION

Reports to the Chief of Staff

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF WORK

Leads an award-winning, multi-disciplinary team across communication disciplines;

Builds trust and rapport with City teams, community organizations and media representatives;

Operates and adheres to professional ethical standards (e.g., Public Relations Society of America);

Acts as an organizational influencer, collaborating with department heads and managers to achieve the City's administrative vision and strategic priorities;

Actively manages the City of Westerville brand, surveilling social media and customer service touchpoints to protect and preserve reputation and overall transparency.

Responsible for annual budget development and compliance. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK

Ten years minimum experience in professional public relations position; management experience preferred;

Demonstrated strategic communication plan development;

Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills;

Skilled in responsive, decisive crisis communication, including National Incident Management Systems/FEMA communication responsibilities;

Publication and production experience;

Public speaking, presentation, facilitation and interpersonal communication skills, including active listening skills;

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills;

Dedicated to personal and team professional development, including professional association membership/involvement;

Excellent customer/citizen service principles and experience;

Preferred: experience in government relations;

Knowledge of and adherence to community relations principles and practices.

Bachelor's degree: Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs or related field of study

Minimum 10 years progressively responsible experience in public relations

Requires a valid Driver's License

HEALTH BENEFITS

Employees pay 15% of the monthly medical insurance premium through United Healthcare which includes prescription coverage. Employee, Employee plus child(ren), Employee plus spouse and family coverage is available. However, a spouse who has affordable health care coverage through their employer must elect that coverage as primary. The City health care plan is a high deductible healthcare plan.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT

Annually, the City will deposit 85% of your health insurance deductible amount into an HSA account in your name.

VISION AND DENTAL

The City pays 100% of the premium for dental and vision. Coverage levels will be explained in further detail at time of hire.

LIFE INSURANCE

The City pays 100% of the premium on a $100,000 life insurance policy for employee and $10,000 for spouse and $5,000 for child.

RETIREMENT PENSION

The City contributes 14% monthly toward retirement benefits offered through the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System. The employee pension payment share is 10% of gross salary.

VACATION

New employees accrue two weeks of paid vacation every year. Vacation time increases with length of service time.

PERSONAL LEAVE

Employees receive 6 prorated days of personal leave annually.

01

Do you possess ten years minimum experience in a professional public relations position?

Yes

No

02

Do you possess a bachelor's degree: Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs or related field of study?

Yes

No

03

How did you learn about this position?

website

Governmentjobs.com website

Indeed.com (career board)

LinkedIn.com (career board)

Careerbuilder.com (career board)

City Employee

Friend

Career (Job) Fair

CareerBoard.com (career board)

Other website not listed

Other

Required Question