ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT

Company: Detroit Land Bank Authority
Location: Detroit
Posted on: October 4, 2024

Job Description:

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Description

Salary Range: $91,500 - $137,300

*This role is exclusively on-site, requiring daily commutes to the office. Therefore, candidates must reside in the Detroit/Metro-Detroit area before employment*

MISSION STATEMENT

Our mission is to return the city's blighted and vacant properties to productive use. We utilize a variety of Sales programs to make homeownership and land purchases accessible to Detroiters. Plus, we take our commitment to revitalization one step further with our Compliance and Nuisance Abatement programs, requiring renovation and occupancy to improve neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and combat real estate speculation. The Detroit Land Bank Authority works directly with individual buyers, as well as Community Partner organizations and developers for projects big and small.

ABOUT THIS OPPORTUNITY

Join our team and be a catalyst for positive change! We are seeking a dynamic individual passionate about community building, enrichment, and development to contribute to our mission of enhancing the quality of life in our vibrant and diverse community.

The Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement drives the organization's public relations and community strategy. This individual is responsible for representing the DLBA as spokesperson, managing all aspects of media relations, coordinating internal communications, and leading a team of communications and community engagement specialists. This role reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer and provides support and counsel for the entire executive team on thought leadership, media preparedness, policy development, process improvement, and organizational reporting. The Assistant Director of Communications and Engagement should foster a solutions focused, high-performance culture that emphasizes empowerment, equity, quality, and productivity that furthers the DLBA's mission and commitment to transparency

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

This individual is expected to possess a demonstrated track record of success in leadership roles requiring the delivery of multiple tasks and balancing multiple priorities. The ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide array of people, junior and senior staff, and both internal and external customers will also be key. The Assistant Director is expected to be an ambassador for the DLBA, fully knowledgeable of all DLBA programs, policies, and activities. This individual will be responsible for providing direct execution or oversight of the following functions:

• Media and public relations
  • Serve as the central point of contact for reporters and media outlets to ensure a timely, coordinated response.
  • Cultivate strong relationships with reporters and newsrooms locally and nationally
  • Develop and pitch DLBA stories to secure media coverage
  • Work closely with DLBA and City of Detroit leadership to protect and strengthen the DLBA's public image and community reputation
  • Position the DLBA and its executives as industry thought leaders. Identify, book, and prepare for thought leadership speaking engagements; conceptualize and execute thought leadership content for publication on DLBA platforms, industry outlets, etc.
  • Act as a liaison between the DLBA and the City of Detroit Media and Communications team.
  • Attend twice-weekly City Communications Cabinet meetings.
  • Communications & Digital Content
    • Be a champion of, and key advisor on, internal communications strategy. Create internal communications to support organizational goals and operations.
    • Supervise and work closely with the Digital Content Specialist on social media, branding, multi-platform content creation, and storytelling.
    • Own the DLBA's voice. Ensure cohesive messaging throughout all external communications; write and proofread a wide variety of communications on behalf of the organization, including monthly and quarterly reporting, client-facing documents, and website content, and more.
    • Create presentations, speeches, and talking points for executives for use in City Council meetings, community events, and speaking engagements.
    • Community Engagement
      • Drive community engagement strategy. Supervise team members whose core functionsinclude community engagement activities, including the Community Initiatives Program Manager, Constituent Experience Liaison, and City Council & Government Liaison.
      • Represent the DLBA at community events and be a subject matter expert in core organizational functions.
      • Facilitate opportunities for other team members and DLBA staff to participate in community engagement and events.
      • Support the organization in planning and executing small and large-scale public events.
      • Interagency Coordination
        • Supervise team members whose core functions include liaising with various City of Detroit departments and Detroit City Council.
        • Drive interagency communications strategy to ensure proactive, timely, transparent, and collaborative interactions. QUALIFICATIONS
          • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
          • 10+ years of relevant experience; background in Detroit-area media market or agencies preferred.
          • Experience managing direct reports.
          • Solutions-oriented and adept at identifying challenges and providing advice/best practice recommendations.
          • Ability to work under tight time pressures, prioritize workflow, problem solve and react quickly to changing business needs and demands, all in a fast-paced and high growth business environment.
          • Highly skilled writer and detail-oriented proofreader. Experienced with producing a variety of written content in collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
          • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, as well as public speaking ability.
          • Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints both in writing and orally.
          • Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate effectively with all levels of staff and motivate collaborators to deliver high-quality results.
          • Ability to interpret complex concepts covering the wide variety of programming performed by the DLBA
          • Outstanding leadership and organizational abilities.
          • Must be a mission-driven individual with a sense of public service to the residents of the City of Detroit.
          • The highest level of moral character, honesty and integrity.
          • Proficient in Microsoft Office, Canva, and Meta Business Suite Desirable Qualifications:
            • Detroit resident or a Detroit background with a deep knowledge of community needs.
            • Familiar with Detroit government and communities.
            • Experience in government, community development, real estate, or land use planning.
            • Experience with non-profit or governmental program design, management systems, and community change strategies. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
              
              Manage the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the department/division. Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the company policies and applicable laws.
              
              Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, planning, assigning, directing work, rewarding and disciplining employees, performance reviews, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
              
              Provide leadership in strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the organization; create and promote a positive and supportive work environment.
              
              OTHER DUTIES
              
              Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
              
              BENEFITS & PERKS
              • Paid Holidays, Sick Days & CTO
              • Health Benefit: Medical/Blue Cross Blue Shield, vision, dental, EAP and short-term disability
              • Free Parking
              • Complimentary Beverages (water, tea, coffee etc.)
              • Retirement Savings Plan (457-B)
              • Certification reimbursement/ License renewal reimbursement
                **AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER**
                
                This position is currently accepting applications.

Keywords: Detroit Land Bank Authority, Dearborn Heights , ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & ENGAGEMENT, Executive , Detroit, Michigan