Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships

ABOUT CITY WALK BHAM:

The recent completion of Birmingham's I-59/20 Central Business District (CBD) Interstate bridges brings about a renewed focus on the space underneath the bridges known as City Walk BHAM. The goal of City Walk BHAM is to provide a space to assist in reconnecting Birmingham and create a destination and common area open to all citizens.

City Walk BHAM spans 10 city blocks, from 15th St N to 25th St N - almost a mile in length. The entire area encompasses 31 acres, which will provide a space to assist in connecting Birmingham.


Summary/Objective This is a full-time professional (exempt) position responsible for leading the development and execution of community engagement and outreach efforts, and supporting programs related to broad-based civic, community, and philanthropic support of City Walk. The Director of Public Relations and Community Partnerships will be a seasoned frontline, self-initiated, strategic ambassador and lead all external communications programs and strategic partnership efforts for City Walk BHAM.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Demonstrates understanding and full performance ability in each of the following:

• Serve as the primary awareness voice for City Walk by building a broad and diverse community of support.
• Develop and execute a robust outreach strategy and schedule; set and meet goals related to public advocacy through community campaigns to support initiatives.
• Identify and engage priority external partners to build organization relationships in priority community and mission areas.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships and sponsorship initiatives that enhance programming, expand community reach and support the long-term sustainability of City Walk BHAM.
• Develop a community contact database system that tracks and organizes community contacts, stakeholders, and calendars.
• Maintain records on outreach activities, progress, status.
• Collaborate to build and support neighboring community efforts.
• Concept, plan and support community events, activations and programming that drive engagement, visitation and a sense of community ownership.
• Direct the evaluation and processing of leads and inquiries to utilize City Walk BHAM for special events and programs.
• Direct the external communications strategies of City Walk BHAM including website, social media channels, earned and paid media opportunities and corporate partnerships.
• Lead brand positioning and storytelling efforts to continue establishing City Walk BHAM as a premier destination and gathering place in Birmingham.
• Track and report on engagement, partnership and programming performance to inform ongoing strategy and growth.
• Collaborate across internal teams, city stakeholders and partners to align programming, communications and strategic initiatives
• Performs other duties as required.

Work Environment
This position may have a moderate to extensive stress level associated with dealing with crowds of public visitors. The environment is at times required outdoors and exposed to the elements (heat, rain, etc.).

Physical Demands

Position requires lifting, climbing, carrying, bending, stooping, squatting, and kneeling for extended periods of time. Extensive walking and/or standing. Ability to lift up to 50lbs items with or without assistance, while maintaining good balance. Must be flexible enough to reach above shoulder level and be able to push and pull for brief periods of time. Visual acuity, speech recognition, and speech clarity.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position; hours of work must be flexible and varied to meet the demands of the events of the facility. Must be able to work extended and/or irregular hours including day, nights, weekends, and holidays, as needed.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a high-touch customer focused environment working in both in-person and digital environments demonstrating successful experience building effective development or product-oriented relationships.
• Proven administrative skills in a collaborative environment, as demonstrated by experience in effectively building relationships that support organizational goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively and enthusiastically with a broad constituency, including community groups, organizations, individuals, volunteers, and staff.
• Effective public speaking, interpersonal communication skills, written communication skills, and relationship building skills.
• Lead initiatives with minimal supervision, while providing appropriate context for internal stakeholders and partners.
• Willingness to engage with the community both inside and outside of City Walk and the ability to commit to evening and weekend work. Primary engagement community is currently the Birmingham area but expected to expand throughout the greater Birmingham area.
• Event planning, programming, and project management experience are preferred.
• Valid State of Alabama Driver License.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Proven expertise and ability to bridge long-term strategy with short-term goals, including the ability to plan and see the "big picture", ensuring that the team has the necessary direction, information, resources and support.
• Experience in the area of earned income generation and programming strategies, especially those related to public places and amenities.
• Maintains effective relationships with public, promoters, management, BJCC partners and employees in a courteous and diplomatic manner.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business documents, governmental regulations, read and understand blueprints and schematic designs, floor plans, etc.
• Make basic mathematical calculations.
• Excellent oral communication, written communication, fluency in English, public speaking, active listening.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office software, to include Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams, and Publisher.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Strong leadership skills including a 'lead by example' mentality, setting the tone for the culture and building relationships based on trust, honesty and integrity.
• Diplomatic and professional demeanor.