Communications Director

Location:  City of Pflugerville, TX Download:  City of Pflugerville, TX - Communications Director - Brochure

About Pflugerville, TX

Pflugerville, Texas is a vibrant, growing community and the second-largest city in Travis County next to the state capital of Austin.  The City covers more than 23 square miles and offers beautiful trails, diverse shopping options and high-quality schools. Over the last decade, the City’s considerable growth rate has created abundant cultural, entertainment and recreational opportunities. Pflugerville’s more than 74,000 residents enjoy living “where quality meets life.” 

Pflugerville is growing rapidly as evidenced by a 187% population growth since 2000 and more than $1B in capital improvement projects planned within the next 5 years. The City has also had an influx of large employers. Most recently, the City opened its doors to an Amazon Fulfillment Center, Costco, Living Spaces Fulfillment Center and Baylor Scott & White Hospital. 

Pflugerville’s qualities have been recognized and honored with several awards and accolades. In 2020, Pflugerville ranked #70 on Livability’s top 100 places to live for small to mid-size cities. The City has earned Scenic City recognition from Scenic Texas because of its model standards for design and development of public roadways, beautiful trails and continuous efforts to diversify the urban forest and streetscapes. In 2014, Pflugerville was ranked the 20th best small city to live in by Money Magazine. 

City Government

The City of Pflugerville was incorporated in 1965 and operates under a Home Rule Charter with a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is comprised of a Mayor and six (6) Councilmembers elected at-large on a non-partisan basis for staggered, three-year terms. 

The City Council, as policy makers, appoints a City Manager to manage the day-to-day operations.

The City Manager is responsible for administering the affairs of the City in accordance with City Council policies and federal and state laws in all matters including the City’s utilities, finance, human resources, public works, planning, engineering, building, police, parks & recreation,  library and several other departments with 426 fulltime employees and an operating budget of $126 million. 

The Position

Under general administrative direction, this position establishes, manages and implements effective communications and public involvement strategies to provide timely, accurate, and understandable information to the community. The Communications Director is responsible for overseeing and coordinating citywide communications messages and public information programs, expanding communication resources for outreach to the city and residents using existing and new technology and media, and overseeing the implementation of citywide information programs.  The Communications Director must apply a significant degree of initiative and independent judgment, as the Director interfaces frequently with City management, City Council, the media and other City staff to present recommendations and administer public information programs. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  • Supervise communications division and oversee coordination of messages via Pf Connect communications channels including the city website, social media accounts, video and special events.
  • Continuously evaluate effectiveness of communications campaigns and coordinate ongoing city messaging with clear information to the public.
  • Advise members of the City Manager’s Office (CMO), Mayor, City Council and top management staff on communications strategies, policies, procedures and issues.
  • Coordinate implementation of the city’s communications plan and link communications initiatives to the City Council’s Strategic Plan and goals.
  • Develop, facilitate and assist with implementing strategic approaches to emerging issues.
  • Oversee the coordination of design, production and distribution of city publications to heighten awareness of city services, programs and initiatives ensuring all materials follow city branding and key messaging.
  • Assist other departments with communications strategies. In an emergency, serves in Emergency Operations Center and provides emergency message support.
  • Manage and coordinate cable access channel content, including public service announcement notices, Pflugerville Pfocus scripts and filming, and promotional videos.
  • Serves on county-wide communications teams to assist with Travis and Williamson County regional communications efforts.
  • Attend, represent and/or coordinate with CMO at community functions, open houses, community meetings, civic organizations, and governmental groups; prepare and present presentations regarding city programs.
  • Work with CMO, staff, and City Council on communication strategies such as coordinating plans, and writing columns, letters, and speeches, and communication programs.
  • Attend conferences, trainings, and other meetings to stay current with successful practices in communications, engagement and learn new skills. 

Knowledge and Skills

  • Knowledge of public opinion research techniques and various methods of application in governmental issues
  • Knowledge of print, electronic, radio/television, and social media used to distribute public information
  • Knowledge of Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements.
  • Knowledge of best practices related to crisis communication and emergency operations.
  • Skill of word processing, spreadsheet, website development, and data inquiry software. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a strategic communications professional who can develop and execute communication plans.  This person should have extensive experience with social media, news media, and crisis communication; experience working in a high-growth City will be a definite asset. 

The ideal candidate must have exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to establish and maintain relationships with City Council, City Management, the general public, and the news media. Advanced written and oral communication skills will be imperative, as well as strong collaboration and team building skills. 

Education and Experience

Qualified applicants will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field, in addition to 7+ year’s progressively responsible experience in communications; 5+ years’ experience in a writing-intensive position, and 5+ years supervisory experience, preferably in related function or government. Demonstrated experience working with print, broadcast and internet-based media is required.  A Certified Public Communicator or Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Administration or similar field is preferred. 

Salary

The City of Pflugerville offers a competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position also includes employer paid healthcare, dental, vision, and life insurance. The City has 11 paid holidays per year with 24 hours of personal holiday leave, along with 12 days of sick and 15 days of vacation time. 

The City participates in Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) at an employee deposit rate of 7% with a City match of 2:1 and five (5) year vesting. The City also offers additional retirement options through MissionSquare Retirement (formerly ICMA-RC). Relocation assistance may be available.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to: 

resumes@affionpublic.com
Reference: PACD 

Affion Public
PO Box 794
Hershey, PA 17033
888.321.4922
www.affionpublic.com 

**The deadline to receive resumes is May 15, 2023** 

The City of Pflugerville is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

Posted: 09/26/2022