Communications and Economic Development Manager (20737923)

Manage and implement the Town’s Communications and Economic Development programs, and serve as the Town’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO).

The Communications program and the role of the PIO is to manage a variety of materials, activities, and public relations strategies to enhance the Town’s communication with Danville residents, businesses, and customers. Incumbent will maintain a relevant and fluent print and digital outreach program, provide the media with timely and accurate information in matters of public interest, and serve as a key member of large Town project teams to lead local and regional communications.

The purpose of the Economic Development program is to further economic growth and development within the Town by assisting the Town Council and Town Manager in evaluating policy areas impeding business growth, focusing on opportunities to promote the local businesses, and engage business owners and local tourism organizations to promote the Town as a destination. The program is also responsible for working with organizers to support and facilitate Town-wide community events.

Receives direction from the Town Manager or Assistant Town Manager. General supervision is exercised over the staff within the Communications, Economic Development and Community Events functions. May exercise general supervision over consultants as needed.

Essential duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

General

• Serve as lead staff person for preparation of the annual Community Outreach, Community Events, and Economic Development program budgets as part of the annual operating budget.
• Serve as a key member of the Town’s management team.
• Perform special projects as assigned.
• Perform duties within OSHA standards and other duties as assigned.

Communications

• Develop and implement the Town’s community outreach strategy, including facilitating the Communications Liaison Team.
• Oversee the evaluation and coordination of the Town’s web content to ensure information is relevant and timely.
• Provide frequent and timely updates on the Town’s projects, programs and efforts utilizing appropriate communications platforms including press releases, website updates, social media, newsletter, and other available methods.
• Coordinate Town media relations efforts; monitor the Town’s online presence. Provide technical guidance to Town departments regarding interaction with the media and effective outreach strategies.
• Develop a variety of outreach materials and activities across departments, including promotion for recreation programs, information on capital projects, marketing for large scale events, and education on Town initiatives.
• Oversee the development and coordinate production of the Town’s quarterly print newsletter, activity guide, and other Town publications as appropriate.
• Oversee the Town marketing function, including coordination with other departments, developing strategy, writing content, and assigning work to in-house communications staff.
• Photograph Town programs, events and CIP projects and attend public meetings, as needed; serve on Town-wide committees and ad hoc project assignments.
• Perform special projects as assigned.

Economic Development

• Serve as liaison to local and regional business-focused organizations, including the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Town liaison to downtown business owners, property owners, and merchants.
• Oversee the Town’s agreement with the Danville Farmers’ Market, including management of the Merchant at the Market program.
• Interface between the Town and business community on special events that impact downtown.
• Oversee the evaluation of requests for annual business promotion funding and make recommendations to the Town Council as part of the annual financial plan cycle.
• Function as liaison/facilitator between the Town Manager’s office and Planning Division on certain downtown planning applications and code enforcement concerns.
• Communicate and coordinate with the Town Council and appropriate Commissions on economic development programs and/or projects.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of project management, organization, and budgeting.
• Federal, state and local laws concerning economic development, redevelopment, and land use.
• Techniques of negotiation and public presentation skills.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Modern office methods, procedures, organization and equipment including automation hardware and software.
• Internet skills including use of social media

Ability to:

• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, local business leaders, community groups, and individual citizens to promote business in Danville.
• Work independently or as part of a team.
• Understand regional and local economic environment.
• Be sensitive to the needs and desires of the business community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Analyze technical information and prepare reports.
• Develop project work plans and schedules; determine priorities to meet assigned deadlines.
• Capture action-oriented photos of programs and projects.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Perform special projects as assigned.

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Six (6) years of professional experience in economic development and communications, public relations, or marketing. Preference given to experience in a government agency.

Education:

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in economics, business administration, public administration, public relations, communications, or closely related field.

Possession of a valid California State Driver’s License, or license in another state with the ability to obtain a California license within 30 days of hire.

FLSA DISCLAIMER 
This classification has been designated as Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Employees in this classification are not entitled to overtime compensation for hours worked in excess of (37.5) hours per week or in accordance with applicable state and local wage and hour laws. 
 
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT DISCLAIMER 
Employment with the Town of Danville is at-will and may be terminated at any time by the employee or the Town, with or without cause and with or without notice, subject to applicable provisions of the Town’s personnel policies, and applicable law. This job description is not intended to be an employment agreement or contract. 
 
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) ACCOMMODATION 
Qualified individuals with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation during the application, testing, or selection process, or to perform the essential functions of the job, should contact the Town of Danville Human Resources Division. The Town is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws.