Assistant Director, Communications

Assistant Director, Communications

The City of Independence ("City") seeks a full-time Assistant Director of Communications to develop effective internal and external communications and build strong relationships with external stakeholders, community partners, and businesses.

Reporting to the Communications Director and serving on the Mayor's Leadership Team, this role develops strategic communications to promote the City's strengths. Responsibilities include research, writing, editing, basic graphic design, presentations, social media, and photography, using both proactive and responsive strategies.

Key areas of focus include public information, community engagement, events, and content creation such as press releases, publications, presentations, reports, articles, and videos. All communications must align with City branding and be coordinated with the Mayor's office. The Assistant Director will support existing initiatives and collaborate effectively with City employees and elected officials.

This role serves as co-editor for The Independence Post and Community Spotlight, and is responsible for website development, maintenance, troubleshooting, and enhancing SEO practices.

The ideal candidate is creative, self-motivated, and experienced in professional social media management. Strong proofreading, adaptable writing, organizational, and collaboration skills are required, along with event coordination experience and a proven ability to meet deadlines.

Key Job Responsibilities:

• Research, compose, edit, and proofread communication content including multimedia projects (video, photography, print and web).
• Create printed promotional materials, such as brochures, flyers, collateral materials, billboards, and posters, as needed.
• Serve as a webmaster, overseeing all aspects of our websites, including maintaining and updating graphics, page design, and content.
• Develop, measure, and analyze strategic social media content.
• Utilize Google Analytics and other web performance metrics.
• Research, write, and edit articles for multiple City publications and social media posts.
• Interface with other City departments and assist with special projects or tasks as directed.
• Maintain databases of contacts, photography, and other essential information.
• Verify all web content is consistent with the City's branding design and style.

Position Requirements:

• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to deliver clear and compelling design presentations to diverse audiences.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, engaging content.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that all internal and external deadlines are met.
• Strong working knowledge of web/digital design (HTML, CSS) and previous experience with WordPress or Drupal.
• Proven graphic design skills using design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Canva.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Work effectively in a team environment while maintaining accountability for individual performance.
• Video production and editing skills are a plus.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Available to work some nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Be outgoing, personable, and possess a team-oriented mindset.
• Demonstrate excellent time management, accuracy, and resourcefulness.
• Consistently represent the City of Independence professionally.

Other:

• Ability to work well with others as well as work independently.
• Graphic Design experience using tools such as the Adobe Creative Suite.
• Proficient in HTML, JavaScript, WordPress, and other web technologies and standards.
• Genuine interest in public service/government.

Education:

• Associate or bachelor's degree combined with relevant work experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of 4 years of writing experience required, preferably in a government or non-profit setting.
• Adobe Creative Suite: 2 years (Preferred)

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This position is an "at will" position, and the successful candidate serves at the pleasure of the City of Independence, Ohio leadership.