NEOGOV · 16 hours ago
Strategic Communications Director
Olympia, WA
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$132K/yr - $198K/yr
8+ years expNEOGOV is seeking a Strategic Communications Director for the City of Olympia. The role involves overseeing and coordinating communications, managing media relations, and providing strategic advisory support to senior leadership and the City Council.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Oversees proactive external communications strategies and press releases that create and support a positive image of the City in all communication contexts and across multiple media platforms and audiences
Oversees stakeholder and public engagement functions for alignment with and incorporation of City’s strategic positioning issues and narrative to ensure coordination between all public-facing communications
Oversees the management and programming of the City’s cable access channel
Looks for strategic opportunities to communicate the City’s vision and values and enhance the City’s overall brand in the community
Assists with shaping the City’s identity by curating stories that provide opportunities for the community, public, media, City employees, and public officials to learn about the City’s projects, programs, services, and operations, including progress in key initiatives
In coordination with the City Manager, develops and nurtures relationships with community partners, business and civic leaders, political leaders, and the media; acts as a visible presence in the Olympia community
Ensures equity in external communication so all audiences have access to accurate and complete information regardless of demographic; assists with breaking down barriers between residents and the City through more effective and consistent communication
Coordinates regularly with the communications manager to ensure alignment between external and internal communications about the City’s narrative regarding projects, programs, services, and operations, including progress and positioning in key initiatives
Acts as the primary contact for media inquiries about City activities and respond to media inquiries on a 24/7 on-call basis; occasionally works late hours and weekends
Conducts on-camera media interviews
Advises the City Manager, City Council, and other department leadership and employees on matters related to effective communication, marketing, and use of social media
Responds to emergency situations and manages communication needs
Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes
Selects, motivates and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures and executive guidance
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary
Advises on high-profile media issues and plays a strategic communications and public involvement role on emerging public policy issues
Develops and facilitates strategic approaches to emerging issues
Negotiates and administers the City's cable television contracts
Acts as community relations liaison
Provides communications support and guidance to the City Council
Represents the City Council at community meetings and various employee staff functions
Punctual, regular and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in public administration, public relations, communications, journalism, digital communications or a related field and eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience as listed above
OR a combination of experience, certification, education and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas
Must possess Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications for Incident Command Systems (ICS-100) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) Public Information Systems (IS-702) or have the ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire
Advanced knowledge of principles and strategies associated with applied communication, public involvement, community engagement, media relations, social science and organizational psychology
Advanced knowledge of government systems, processes and procedures
Advanced knowledge of public opinion research techniques and various methods of application in governmental issues
Advanced knowledge of public communication plan development and the production of support materials
Knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
Skill in the use of web-based content management systems (CMSs)
Skill in the use of graphic design and video production programs
Ability to serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership and elected officials on messaging, public perception and sentiment, and emerging issues
Ability to use effective storytelling to transform complex government information into clear, accessible, and compelling narratives that are authentic and relatable for a diversity of audiences
Ability to excel in communications and brand stewardship that drives clear, consistent messaging and strengthens the City's identity
Ability to leverage emerging tools, data, and platforms to meet residents where they are for purposes of informing and engaging
Ability to lead communications during emergencies, controversies, and fast-moving situations
Ability to establish good relations and work effectively with a variety of local and regional media outlets
Ability to elevate diverse voices through inclusive, culturally responsive and accessible communications and engagement
Ability to pilot new tools thoughtfully and within ethical and legal boundaries
Ability to use analytics, surveys, and community feedback to measure communication effectiveness, guide strategy, and report on progress and performance
Ability to develop clear priorities and workflows in a resource-constrained environment
Ability to organize, prioritize and manage many different projects and initiatives at once
Ability to write clearly and compellingly for diverse audiences, edit effectively, and confidently speak in public
Ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a creative, and collaborative communications team
Benefits
Comprehensive benefit package including insurance and participation in the State of Washington Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
Optional benefits include 457(b) retirement plan, flexible spending account and more.
Longevity payments.
Continuing professional growth and development, including internal and external training opportunities, conferences and professional certifications.
Hybrid work arrangements.
Wellness program with offerings such as yoga, pickleball, farm share programs, and well-being workshops.
Free public transit access and alternative transportation support (including indoor bike storage).
Active employee resource groups for: staff of color,LGBTQIA2S+ employees, women, veterans, and employees with disabilities.
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
The Carlyle Group,Warburg PincusWarburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
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