New 
Director of Communications (PDF)
 Town of Lexington | |
 United States, Massachusetts, Lexington | |
| 1625 Massachusetts Avenue (Show on map) | |
 Apr 24, 2025 | |
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Town of Lexington We are currently accepting applications for the full-time (35 hours per week) position. Director of Communications Town Manager's Office Hiring Range: $91,912 - $103,885 with excellent benefits The REQUIRED Town of Lexington application form, cover letter and resume must be received in the Town's Human Resource Department. This position will remain open until filled, with priority given to applications received by Monday, May 19, 2025. GENERAL PURPOSE Working under the general direction of the Town Manager/Deputy Town Manager, the Director of Communications directs the implementation of an integrated communications strategy for the Town, incorporating media broadcasts, written materials, and social media trends and applications. Work includes being the central communications point between Town departments and residents, businesses and the general public in all respects, conceptualizing, developing, and implementing media and advertising campaigns, and marketing programs that positively represent the Town of Lexington's operations and departments. The Director of Communication's focus will be on the conveyance of public information, and the successful representation of the Town's interests via social media and traditional news outlets. In addition, incumbent will develop and implement strategies for increasing the public's knowledge of Town operations through a variety of methods. Summary Develops effective messaging and communications strategies. Cultivates relationships and maintains contacts with public relations representatives. Identifies Town projects and programs for positive media coverage. Oversees development of news releases, news materials, and fact sheets. Develops talking points for Town officials. Monitors and reviews department's communications. Creates promotional materials. Performs all other related work, as required. Essential Functions The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. * Cultivates relationships and maintains contacts with public relations representatives to foster collaborative effort in promoting the Town. Identifies Town projects and programs for positive media coverage. * Builds and fosters long-term relationships with stakeholders. Responds to media requests for information and facilitates media interviews with Town officials. * Oversees development of news releases, news materials, and fact sheets. Develops talking points for Town officials. Monitors and reviews department's communications. * Supervises Web and Digital Engagement Specialist. Oversees staff's productivity. * Ensures conveyance of consistent and professional outreach and information. * Attends staff meetings, public meetings, events, celebrations, press conferences to gather, communicate, and promote information relevant to the Town. * Oversees Town-branded social media accounts to ensure posting contains quality content and usage of positive business and professional language. * Partners with the Director of Human Resources to promote the Town. * Assists with office coverage for the Town Manager's Office, including answering telephones. * Communicates with departments to ensure proper marketing of past, present, and future projects and programs. * Surveys the town and the residents to gather data and fill gaps in communication between the town and the public. * Updates knowledge on trends in media sources and forms. * Performs other similar or related duties, as required or as situation dictates. Supervision Supervision Scope: Performs varied and responsible functions requiring a specialized knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Supervision Received: Works under the broad and general guidance of the Deputy Town Manager, following department rules, regulations and policies; duties require the ability to plan and perform operations and independently complete tasks, according to prescribed time schedules. Supervision Given: Supervises the Web and Digital Engagement Specialist. Recommended Minimum Qualifications Education, Training and Experience Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or Journalism plus 5 years of experience in municipal communications, the news industry, community-based public relations, or marketing or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience are required. Computer literacy is required. Special Requirements: Knowledge: Knowledge of administrative office practices and procedures. Knowledge of record keeping. Familiarity with town government. Knowledge or ability to learn state and local laws required for department operations. Knowledge of best management practices to supervise staff. Advanced knowledge of marketing and creation of promotional materials. Advanced knowledge to develop effective messaging and communications for the Town. Ability: Ability to interact appropriately and tactfully with customers. Ability to develop an understanding of regulations. Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records. Ability to explain Department regulations, policies and procedures. Ability to work independently. Ability to follow detailed timetables. Ability to multi- task. Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to hire, train, and evaluate staff's performance. Skills: Excellent customer service and organization skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proficient skills for writing clearly, professionally, and digitally. Proficient computer skills with MS Office Suite applications. Proficient skills with new and existing computer and software applications supporting departmental operations. Job Environment * Work is performed in office environment with moderate noise levels. Occasionally work is performed in outdoor weather conditions. Work is subject to fluctuations, and administrative deadlines. * Operates computer, printer, telephone, copier, facsimile machine, and all other standard office equipment. * The employee has frequent contact with the public, members of town government, representatives from local businesses, and community organizations. * The employee has no access to confidential information. * Errors could result in legal ramifications. Physical Requirements The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, communicate, or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Frequently the employee is required to stand, and walk. The employee seldom must lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Close, distance, color, peripheral vision and depth perception are required. Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges is necessary. This position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed. The Town of Lexington has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and we are actively seeking candidates who bring new voices and lived experiences to our organization. The Town of Lexington is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability. *External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans With Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by management on a case by case basis. This job 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 job change. APPLICATION PROCESS All applicants are required to complete a Town application form, available from the Internet at www.lexingtonma.gov, email jobs@lexingtonma.gov, calling (781) 698-4590 or by visiting the Human Resources Department. Resumes may be attached to the application form as additional information, but cannot serve as a substitute for completing the required application form. After the deadline all applications will be reviewed and the most highly qualified candidates will be invited to one or more interviews. All applicants will be notified of their standing in the process as soon as a decision has been made regarding their individual application. Individuals who need accommodations in order to participate in this process should contact the Human Resources Department. Questions regarding this hiring process should be addressed to the: Human Resources Department, Town of Lexington 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 (781) 698-4590 | |