Director, Communications

Salary

This position is a Grade 506 with an annual salary between $151,878 - $227,817.

About the Role

The Communications Director plans, organizes, and directs the activities, programs, and staff of the Communications Department. Serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary media contact.

Benefits

The City of Glendale offers a generous benefits package with competitive rates that become effective the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment. You can review the FY26-27 Benefits Guide (Download PDF reader) or visit the City of Glendale’s Benefits page for more information.

Holiday, Vacation, and Sick Leave

• The City of Glendale observes 10.5 holidays per year, and full-time employees are also granted an additional 12 hours of holiday special leave per calendar year to celebrate their cultural or religious holidays.
• Vacation leave accrues at 5.33 hours per pay period (138 hours per year), and increases to 6.12 hours after 5 years, and to 7.6 hours after 10 years of service.
• Sick leave accrues at 4.4 hours per pay period (114 hours per year).

Retirement

• This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
• Contribution is mandatory, and the current contribution rate is 11.98%.

Responsibilities

1. Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the activities, budget, and personnel of the Communications Department; establishes strategic goals, service standards, and performance expectations.
2. Develops and implements the citywide communications strategic plan; aligns priorities, resources, and messaging with City leadership goals and organizational needs.
3. Advises the City Manager, elected officials, and department leadership on public information, community engagement, and communications strategies for proposed policies, programs, and major initiatives.
4. Drives citywide communications enhancements by evaluating departmental structure, staffing capabilities, technology, and work processes to strengthen service delivery and accountability.
5. Directs the consistent application of City branding, core messaging, and visual identity across all departments, facilities, digital platforms, and marketing collateral.
6. Directs all media relations, press conferences, and proactive story development; serves as a primary spokesperson and prepares designated staff for media interviews.
7. Leads crisis management communications; serves as the official Public Information Officer (PIO) in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and maintains emergency communications plans and protocols.
8. Directs digital content strategy, including the City website, social media channels, video production, graphic design, and publication management in coordination with Information Technology.
9. Directs internal communications strategies in partnership with Administration and Human Resources to inform employees of City priorities, policies, and organizational updates.
10. Oversees community outreach strategies and public participation initiatives to ensure accessible, transparent communication and meaningful community feedback loops.
11. Directs audience research, analytics, and performance measurement to evaluate campaign reach, public perception, and engagement effectiveness, adjusting strategies accordingly.
12. Establishes a coordinated network of department communications liaisons; provides training, toolkits, and guidelines to support citywide compliance with media protocols.
13. Oversees communications support and media coverage for major civic events, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings; prepares speeches, presentations, and talking points for executive leadership.
14. Oversees daily project workflow, editorial calendars, vendor/consultant contracts, language access standards, and public records compliance in coordination with appropriate departments.
15. Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with elected officials, regional partners, business leaders, news media, and community organizations.
16. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate for the role will have a Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public administration, or a related field and seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, including three years of management or supervisory experience.

Experience leading communications across multiple departments or business units, directing organizational improvements, and advising executive leadership is preferred. Experience in municipal government or another complex public service organization is desirable.

Any equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. One year of relevant experience may be substituted for each year of required education.

This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of strategic communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, and public information
• Municipal government operations and the respective roles of elected officials, executive management, and staff
• Brand management, audience research, community engagement, and internal communications
• Media relations procedures, news release standards, crisis communications and emergency public information coordination, including the City’s Media Relations Policy and Emergency Operations Plan
• Digital communications, website content strategy, social media, visual storytelling, and content production
• Communications measurement, research methods, and use of data to evaluate program effectiveness
• Principles and practices of organizational development, employee supervision, evaluation, and training
• Budget development, contract administration, project management, and customer service
• Accessibility, language access, public records, and other requirements applicable to government communications

Ability to

• Plan, organize, and direct comprehensive communications programs and the work of multiple program areas
• Develop and implement communications strategies that connect organizational goals with audience needs
• Lead organizational change, clarify responsibilities, and build cooperation across departments
• Exercise initiative, anticipate needs, and follow through on commitments while managing competing priorities
• Listen to differing perspectives, seek and apply feedback, acknowledge mistakes, and recognize the contributions of others
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and political sensitivity; adapt communication to the audience and handle disagreement constructively
• Facilitate media access to knowledgeable staff, prepare employees for interviews and coordinate timely responses consistent with City policy
• Translate complex or sensitive issues into accurate, clear and understandable information; exercise discretion in personnel matters and observe policy limits on discussing employee discipline with the media
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including under pressure
• Evaluate communications results and recommend practical improvements
• Develop employees, delegate effectively, and hold staff accountable for results
• Prepare and administer budgets and direct consultants and vendors

Special Requirements

• Availability to respond to communications needs outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends and emergencies; ensures a City PIO can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Success Factor Classification Level - Executive

To view the success factor definitions please click here. (If needed, click here to download PDF reader).

Office setting. Work may include attendance at public meetings, community events and emergency response locations.