Director of Communications

Director of Communications

The City of Des Plaines is a vibrant and diverse community, at the center of commerce and transportation. The City is located 17 miles northwest of downtown Chicago with close proximity to O’Hare International Airport and convenient access to interstates and Metra. Our organization is mission-driven, financially stable and professionally managed.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Communications plays a pivotal role in the senior leadership team, leading the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of all communication strategies, outreach initiatives, and digital platforms for the City of Des Plaines. The Director is tasked with managing and enhancing the City’s public image, standardizing its message, and reinforcing the City’s brand across all communication channels.

With the support of a dedicated team, the Director collaborates closely with various departments to create and execute marketing and communication programs that reflect the City’s vision and objectives. As the leader of this team, the Director supervises and mentors communication staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment with a focus on growth.

This role also involves managing crisis communication efforts, building and maintaining media relations, and overseeing City-sponsored events to ensure they align with the City’s standards and strategic goals.

The Director is expected to lead the City’s communication efforts by overseeing the drafting and dissemination of speeches, press releases, newsletters, and other forms of communication designed to enhance the City’s public image and maintain brand consistency. As the City’s primary spokesperson and brand advocate, the Director manages media relations, ensuring that all external communications are accurate, timely, and consistent.

Collaboration is key in this role, as the Director works closely with department heads to develop and execute communication campaigns. This position is central to ensuring that all City departments work in unison to deliver consistent and impactful messaging that resonates with our diverse community.

In addition to media relations, the Director plays a critical role in planning and managing City-sponsored events and optimizing processes to enhance event experiences for attendees, sponsors and the City’s business partners.

Desired Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field, with a Master’s degree being preferred but not required. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in communications, media relations, or public affairs is essential, with at least two years in a supervisory role. Experience in local government is highly desirable.

The candidate should possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong problem-solving abilities, and a deep understanding of digital communication platforms and strategies. Extensive knowledge of social media, marketing, and municipal communication practices is required, along with familiarity with crisis communication and media relations. The ideal candidate will be goal-oriented, self-directed, and capable of thriving in a fast-paced environment, with strong leadership abilities to inspire and develop a team.

Compensation and Benefits:

The City of Des Plaines offers a competitive salary range commensurate with experience, with an anticipated starting salary of $140,000+/-. The City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, IMRF pension plan, and competitive paid leave based on experience.

How to Apply:

Apply with your resume and cover letter at www.desplainesil.gov/hr

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed upon submittal.

Join our team to help shape the future of Des Plaines through innovative communication and community engagement!