Communications & Strategic Initiatives Director

Help Build the Voice, Connection, and Community of a New City

Are you a creative communicator, relationship-builder, and community-minded leader who wants to make a visible difference? Our city may only be four years old, but we are already building something special and there is tremendous opportunity ahead.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, collaborative, and strategic Communications & Strategic Initiatives Director to help shape how our city communicates, connects, listens, and engages with the people we serve.

This is an opportunity for someone who sees municipal government as more than policies, programs, and services. You understand that great local government starts with great relationships and that residents should know what their city is doing, why it matters, how to access services, and how their voices can help shape the community.

If you are energized by the opportunity to build communications and engagement practices from the ground up, strengthen the city's presence on social media and digital platforms, reach residents who may not traditionally participate in government, and bring creativity and energy to public service, we want to hear from you.

Pay/Wages 

Pay is $69,519.00 to $79,726.00 based on the candidate’s experience.

Benefits (this is not a comprehensive list of benefits) 

• 3 weeks paid vacation to start. 
• 14 paid holidays 
• 18 sick days per year 
• Retirement benefits include a pension plan (VMERS C) or deferred compensation plan (VMERS DC), and the ability to contribute to a 457, Traditional IRA or ROTH 
• Generous health insurance benefit in which the City pays 94% of the premium for medical and the first 80% of the deductible. After that, you are only responsible for the next 20%, which is not more than $600 for single plans and no more than $1200 for all other plans for covered medical expenses. 
• 100% employer paid for dental and vision 
• 100% employer paid short-term disability and life insurance 
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the City's communications, marketing, branding, and public engagement efforts to ensure residents, businesses, visitors, and stakeholders are informed, connected, and engaged.
• Develop and implement communication strategies that promote City initiatives, programs, events, services, and priorities through a variety of platforms and channels.
• Manage the City's website, social media presence, digital content, newsletters, press releases, and other print and electronic communications to ensure information is timely, accurate, accessible, and engaging.
• Serve as the City's primary media contact by cultivating positive relationships with local and regional media and coordinating responses to media inquiries.
• Partner with City departments, committees, and leadership to identify communication opportunities, develop messaging, and support public outreach and community engagement efforts.
• Implement and continuously enhance the City's Community Engagement Plan and Language Access Plan to help ensure information is accessible and outreach efforts are inclusive of all community members.
• Plan, coordinate, and promote community events, public meetings, and engagement activities that increase participation and strengthen connections between residents and local government.
• Develop newsletters, annual reports, videos, presentations, graphics, website content, social media campaigns, and other communication and marketing materials.
• Monitor communication trends, technology, and best practices and recommend innovative approaches to improve public outreach, transparency, and resident engagement.
• Coordinate strategic projects and initiatives by providing project management support, conducting research, tracking progress, and assisting with implementation.
• Support organizational goals through grant research and writing, sponsorship development, data collection and analysis, and strategic planning efforts.
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of communication and engagement efforts using data and feedback to improve strategies and outcomes.
• Represent the City at community events, public meetings, and collaborative partnerships while serving as a professional and positive ambassador for the organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, Political Science, or a related field.
• Four or more years of professional experience in communications, marketing, public engagement, public relations, or a related field.
• Strong writing, editing, storytelling, and presentation skills.
• Experience managing websites, social media platforms, digital communications, newsletters, and marketing campaigns.
• Knowledge of graphic design and content creation tools, including Adobe Creative Suite.
• Strong project management, organizational, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with community engagement, public outreach, or local government communications is highly desirable.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support meetings, events, and community activities.

The City of Essex Junction is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal or state law. The City is committed to administering all employment practices in accordance with these laws.