Deputy Director of Communications

We’re excited to invite a strategic leader to join our team as the Deputy Director of Communications! This is a fantastic opportunity for you to enhance and promote the vibrant image of Commerce City through creative public relations, dynamic marketing campaigns, and meaningful community outreach. In this role, you'll play a key part in engaging with vital stakeholders, including the public, elected officials, and the media, building strong relationships that bolster our community’s reputation. If you’re a talented communicator who thrives in challenging situations and is passionate about impactful public affairs strategies, we can’t wait to see how your vision and expertise can shine in our dedicated team! Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesDevelop and implement comprehensive public affairs strategies to promote Commerce City's mission, goals, and valuesOversee media relations efforts, including writing and distributing press releases, organizing media events, and building relationships with key journalistsLead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and accurate responses to emerging issues and mitigating reputational risksManage internal and external communications to ensure alignment with Commerce City objectives and key messagingMonitor and analyze public opinion, media coverage, and regulatory developments to inform strategic decision-makingBuild and maintain strong relationships with government officials, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholdersCoordinate media interviews, press conferences, and speaking engagements for senior executives and other leadersCollaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate and consistent messagingOversee the preparation and dissemination of reports, statements, and presentations to external stakeholdersAdvise senior leadership on public affairs issues and provide recommendations for enhancing organizational visibilityLead the development of content for public relations materials, including speeches, op-eds, blogs, and social media postsManage communication team budgets, ensuring efficient allocation of resources across initiativesFoster community engagement through outreach programs, events, and partnershipsTrack and evaluate the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives, adjusting strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomesOversee social media strategy, ensuring effective and consistent messaging across platformsDevelop and manage relationships with key stakeholders, including advocacy groups, community leaders, and industry partners.Provide media training and communication coaching for senior leadership and key organizational spokespeople.Act as a liaison between the City of Commerce City and external public relations firms or consultants when necessaryStay informed of emerging trends in public affairs, media, communications, and marketing developments to adapt strategies accordinglyCultivate positive relationships with local, national, and international media outlets to ensure broad coverage of organizational newsSupervisory Responsibilities:Oversees and supervises division staffMotivates, coaches, and influences people to facilitate the organization’s effectiveness and organizational changeManages department personnel, including the selection process, training and development of the staff, performance appraisals, promotions, demotions, terminations, and disciplinary actionsPrepares timely performance evaluations that clearly define expectationsMentors staff and identifies training opportunities to maximize performance, encouraging an environment of growth and opportunity.Provides accurate feedback about the work produced Minimum QualificationsA bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, political science, or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of eight years of experience in public affairs, media relations, or a related discipline, with a proven track record of managing high-profile communications. Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesKnowledge of:public affairs, media relations, marketing, events, and strategic communication principles and practicessocial media platforms and digital communication strategiesSkill in:written and verbal communication, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiencesinterpersonal and relationship building, with the ability to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholdersproject management, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlinesanalytics, in order to evaluate public opinion, media coverage, and public affairs metrics to adjust strategies as neededAbility to:develop and execute communication strategies and crisis communication plansthink strategically and anticipate public relations challenges and opportunitiesproblem solve and make decisions, especially in high-pressure or criseslead and manage a team, providing direction, mentorship, and support to achieve objectivesnavigate complex political environments and engage with elected officials Equipment Used, Work Environment and Physical ActivitiesDriving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of businessOffice Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel.Other Equipment: None.Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting and carryingLifting: Frequently lifts, carries, and exerts up to 25 poundsVision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation and respond to verbal inquires.Exposure to Environmental Conditions: Position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time. Work may be performed in precarious or tight spaces.Schedule: Position generally scheduled Monday - Friday; occasionally weekend work. Will require attendance at evening meetings, council sessions or after-hour events. Will require attendance at off-site meetings.Additional Working Conditions: NoneReasonable accommodation may be made to individuals with disabilities for the essential functions of the job. Process Overview:Apply Today: Please complete and submit an online application, INCLUDING A RESUME and COVER LETTER, to screen for minimum qualifications (MQs) and determine starting pay in accordance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act.Qualification Review: HR will screen applications for minimum qualifications weekly.Application Review: Applications will be reviewed weekly. Applications from candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be forwarded to the hiring manager, who will review materials.Phone Screen(s): Due to the high volume of applications, phone screens may be conducted to identify the best-qualified candidates.Interview(s): We aim to schedule in-person interviews with candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the application review and phone screen (if applicable). 'Tentative Recruitment Timeline:Deadline to Apply - October 7th, 2026.Zoom Interviews - Week of October 12th, 2026.Panel Interviews - Week of October 19th, 2026.