Communications & Engagement Director

Salary : $121,867.20 – $158,288.00 Annually

Location : Bend, OR

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 20230100

Department: Administrative Services – City Hall

Division: Communications

Opening Date: 06/09/2023

Closing Date: 6/30/2023 12:00 PM Pacific

Summary

The City of Bend is seeking one (1) regular, full time Communications & Engagement Director. This is an exempt (not overtime eligible), non-represented position, reporting to the City Manager.
The Communications & Engagement Director serves as the City’s chief spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO) and provides demonstrated expertise in implementing and sustaining a consistent and effective citywide approach to inclusive communication and community engagement. This position directs day-to-day messaging and communications; leads emergency and crisis communications; ensures citywide brand standards; manages a team that conducts outreach and engagement; and is responsible for providing support for and coordination between citywide departments.

This position develops, coordinates, and manages external and internal communications programs, including the communications strategic plan for the City, and acts as liaison between the City and the community. This position plans, conducts and evaluates City communications within the organization, with the public, and with the news media.

Read more about the ideal candidate in the

To be considered for this position, applicants must have a complete application packet that includes the following:

The online application completely filled out via Government Jobs/NeoGov (access also available on City of Bend website under Human Resources/Job Openings)
Attached Cover Letter (Required)
Attached Resume (Required)
Attached valid Credentials, Certifications and Licensing (if applicable)

Applicants must provide certification that they are a veteran or disabled veteran to receive

Applications received by Friday, June 30, 2023 (6/30/2023) at 12:00 pm (noon) PDT will receive preference for the initial review, but the position will remain open until filled.
Functions, Duties and Responsibilities
Functions, Duties and Responsibilities:
The individual in this position is expected to engage in the following work-related activities.

Under general direction, researches, develops, implements, and evaluates the City’s communications programs, serving all City departments to accomplish their communication needs.
Develops and manages effective, cohesive internal communications programs and strategies in cooperation with department directors and division managers, as directed by the City Manager.
Responsible for developing and managing the City’s communications policies and procedures and overseeing communications Citywide, including both external and internal mass communications, public information and outreach, public involvement, public opinion research and media relations.
Manages community engagement for all citywide efforts with a focus on City Council and City Manager-driven priorities and needs; coordinate the handling of outreach programs and events, and collaborate with community partners.
Performs complex administrative, technical, and professional work in providing information to the City Council, the media, employees, other agencies and the public on the programs, services, issues and policies of the City.
Serves as liaison with local media on newsworthy City events, issues and activities; refers media to appropriate City personnel; establishes and maintains positive relations with the media.
Prepares or assists in the preparation of news, public information and public relations releases, key messaging, informational pamphlets, speeches, audio visual materials, etc.
Encourages Council and community interaction through community forums, public meetings and other input processes.
Develops and implements strategies to deliver messages to the public that are connected to and reflect Council goals and priorities.
Coordinates the design and implementation of external marketing and communications programs promoting awareness of organizational goals and activities to community members; collects, organizes, writes and disseminates information to the public through all communications channels, internal and external.
Oversees the structure, content and effectiveness of the City website in coordination with the City’s Information Technology Department.
Creates, develops, and participates in the production of a variety of publications including newsletters, flyers, brochures and other written materials, displays, audio-visual and photographic presentations.
Oversees the City’s Social Media strategy.
Researches and writes feature articles, news releases, special reports, etc., concerning City programs and operations for use in public relations and public information.
Participates in development, implementation, and analysis of community, customer and employee surveys and public opinion polls.
Prepares annual department budget; oversees budgetary expenditures.
Conducts or oversees the selection, supervision and evaluation of assigned staff. Initiates and implements disciplinary actions as warranted. Resolves grievances and other sensitive personnel matters.
Complies with safety requirements of the position and actively promotes safe work practices.
In an emergency event or an officially declared State of Emergency, responds as directed to ensure the restoration of essential public services, facilities and infrastructure.
Develops and facilitates strategic approaches to emerging issues. Serves a direct role in emergency response within the incident command system.
Directly and indirectly approve the planning, prioritizing, assigning, supervising, training, and review of the work of a diverse workforce; act as a resource, and provide direction, guidance, and leadership to staff; advise on the more complex and sensitive concerns and issues; may select, direct and manage the work of consultants.
Provide leadership to attract, develop, and retain diverse, highly competent, service-oriented staff that support the City’s mission, objectives, and service expectations; create and promote an equitable workplace that demonstrates an environment respectful of living and working in a multicultural society; ensure that employees are provided with guidance and opportunity to correct deficiencies, and appropriate discipline procedures are implemented.
Analyze and review federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures in order to ensure compliance; conduct analysis on best practices and trends, and formulate and implement recommendations.

Managerial Responsibility
This position is a management position which encompasses supervisory responsibility, including the following tasks.

Directly or indirectly supervise all department staff, including training, assigning, and directing work, evaluating performance, disciplining as necessary, and addressing employee concerns and grievances.
Provide team members with regular feedback on performance, including frequent informal feedback, annual performance reviews, assisting with professional development, and making recommendations for employee separations, promotions, or special assignments.
Participate in the recruitment of new employees, including interviewing and making hiring recommendations/ decisions and compensation recommendations.
Disseminate, implement, and enforce organization and team standards, policies, and procedures, including providing proper guidance to those carrying out related duties.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications
Knowledge, Skill, and Abilities
The individual in this position is expected to possess and exhibit the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of public relations, communication, and marketing.
Government functions, the role of local government in the community.
Communications technologies and methods.
News media operation.
Graphic design.
Supervisory principles.

Skill in:

Communicating effectively, clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
Composing, coordinating and editing a variety of informational and promotional materials.
A high level of discretion and sensitivity is required in performing the work.
Establishing and maintaining cooperative work relationships with City staff and media representatives.
Exercising significant judgment when communicating with the public and media.
Advanced knowledge of principles and practices of strategic leadership in public administration, budget preparation and administration, and fields related to the mission and purpose of their Department and the City.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and patience; gain cooperation through discussion and collaboration and navigate sensitive political environments.
Advanced knowledge of principles of management, supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Understanding and applying City policies, rules, and bargaining agreements as they apply to assigned staff.
Understand, remember, communicate and apply complex oral and/or written instructions and factual information.
Ability to direct, manage and supervise a multicultural workforce, promote an equitable workplace environment, and apply equitable program practices to diverse and complex City services.
Plan, lead, and provide oversight in developing goals and objectives for assigned department.
Exercise sound judgment to solve problems, work independently and make appropriate decisions regarding work methods and priorities.
Analyze, interpret, explain, and apply relevant federal, state, and local laws, statutes, regulations, and ordinances.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships and communication with all levels of City staff, City Council, contractors, other public bodies and members of the community.

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Journalism, English, Marketing, or related field resulting in proficiency in writing and other communication techniques; Public relations and presentation skills; Master’s Degree preferred.
6 to 8 of experience in a similar position and/or performing similar tasks.
4 to 6 years of managerial experience.
Requires at least three years of responsible experience in public affairs, public information, or public relations. Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above will be considered.
Current and valid Driver’s license per City policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.

This position is classified as a Director I, for the full Classification details click

Diversity & Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The City of Bend is committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. At the City of Bend, we don’t just accept differences; we value them. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and support the Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) and the Oregon Equal Pay Act.

Employee Benefit Overview

August 1, 2022 – July 31, 2023

Regular Full Time Benefits:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.
(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Medical, Vision and Prescription Coverage
Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total monthly premium. Benefit-eligible part-time employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly-scheduled hours, either at 50% (employees working 20-29 hours per week) or 75% (employees working 30-39 hours per week) of the full monthly premium.

Employee monthly premium: Employee Employee & Dependents
Full-time Employees $ 60.93 $152.33
Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $152.33 $380.81
Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $304.66 $761.62

Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
Third Party Administrator — PacificSource Administrators (PSA)

This is an employer-funded account designed to reimburse employees for IRS-qualified medical expenses. Reimbursements are tax-free, and any unused HRA Comp-A fund amounts at the end of the plan year are transferred to the employee’s VEBA account following first full year of employment (see below for VEBA account information). Coinsurance (Med-G) funding remaining at plan year end is forfeited and does not roll to the VEBA.

Employee monthly premium portion: Employee Employee & Dependents
Full-time Employees HRA (Comp – A) $2,000 $4,000
Coinsurance (Med – G) $1,250 $1,781

Part-time 1 Employees HRA (Comp – A) $1,500 $3,000
(30-39 hours per week) Coinsurance (Med – G) $937.50 $1,335.75

Part-time 2 Employees HRA (Comp – A) $1,000 $2,000
(20-29 hours per week) Coinsurance (Med – G) $625 $890.50

Employees also have the option to self-fund a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for unreimbursed medical expenses to offset potential out-of-pocket liability under the medical/dental plans and potentially shelter their HRA Comp-A account to allow for larger rollover to their VEBA account at plan year end.

First Stop Health – Telemedicine: The City of Bend provides First Stop Health (FSH) telemedicine benefits for FREE to all medical-enrolled employees and up to seven (7) of their immediate family members.

Dental Plan
Underwritten by MODA
$1,500 calendar year benefit maximum per covered individual includes $1,000 one-time orthodontia benefit.
Full-time employees currently pay 10% of the total composite monthly premium. Part-time benefit-eligible employee premiums are pro-rated according to their regularly scheduled work hours (50% for employees working 20-29 hours per week; 75% for those working 30-39 hours per week).

Employee composite monthly premium: Employee with/without Dependents
Full-time Employees $11.98
Part-time 1 Employees (30-39 hours per week) $29.94
Part-time 2 Employees (20-29 hours per week) $59.88

VEBA Plan
Administered by HRA VEBA
Individual employee account that receives tax-free rollover amounts from the City-funded HRA Comp-A account remaining at the end of each plan year. The account belongs to the employee and may be invested in mutual funds similar to deferred compensation. The account can grow, tax free, and be used for future medical expenses and can be used either while still employed or after separation/retirement.

Flexible Spending Plan (FSA)
Administered by PacificSource Administrators (PSA)
Participation in the City of Bend’s Flexible Spending Plan is voluntary and allows employees to pay for IRS-approved health care-related expenses and dependent care through pre-tax payroll deduction.

Life, Personal Accident (AD&D) & Long-Term Disability Plans
Underwritten by New York Life

Group Basic Term Life Insurance: Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a coverage amount of one times the employees annual salary, to a maximum benefit of $150,000, with a minimum benefit of $50,000. Coverage includes person accidentcoverage for loss of life and/or limb, per scheduled benefit package amounts.

Group Long-term Disability Insurance:Benefit-eligible employees working at least 20 hours per week are eligible for a a benefit of up to 66.67% of employee’s covered earnings to a maximum of $9,000 per month.

Voluntary Life and AD&D: Active, full time employees of the City of Bend regularly working a minimum of 20 hours per week are elgibile for additional voluntary coverage for the employee, spouse/domestic partner and dependent children.

Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
The City of Bend participates in the PERS Retirement System. Employees become PERS members after working six full calendar months in a qualifying position requiring at least 600 hours worked per 12-month period. Contributions on the employee’s behalf begin following completion of the six-month waiting period. The City makes “employer” contribution based on the employee’s Tier I, II or OPSRP member status. The City also makes the “employee” member contribution of 6% of salary. For complete PERS program details, visit the website

Employee Assistance Program
Underwritten by Canopy
This City-provided, confidential service helps employees privately solve problems that may interfere with work, family and life in general. Services are free to employees, their dependents and household members.

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

AFLAC Supplemental Insurance (various plans are offered)
MASA ground and air ambulance membership
457(b) Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions & Mission Square Retirement

Temporary Medical Only Benefit’s:

Coverage is effective on the first day of the month, coinciding with or following date of hire.
(If the first day of work is on the first calendar day of the month, coverage is effective that day.)

High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage
Underwritten by PacificSource Health Plans

Full-time, temporary employee(s) currently pay 10% of the total employee(s) monthly premium. Full-time, temporary employees are eligible for employee-only medical coverage. However, there is family coverage avaliable should the employee choose to enroll and assume financial responsibility for the difference of premium.

Employee monthly premium: Employee Employee & Dependents
Full-time Employees $ 60.92 $974.86
Deductible $2,000 $4,000

The City of Bend also offers the following voluntary benefit programs which are elective and funded through payroll deduction:

MASA ground and air ambulance membership
457 Deferred Compensation Plans sponsored by Nationwide Retirement Solutions and Mission Square Retirement

If you have Federal student loan debt, (private student loans not included), or are considering going back to school, you may benefit from the Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

If you make 120 qualifying payments on your Federal student loan while working full-time for a qualifying employer, your Federal student loan debt may be forgiven.
Always check the loan servicer and type of loan you have to ensure you qualify.

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