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Director of Communications & Public Affairs

City of Williston
Full-time
On-site
Williston, North Dakota, United States
$90,000 - $100,000 USD yearly

Job Description

Summary: Provides strategic leadership and direction for the City’s communications function under the direction of the City Administrator. Serves as the central point of coordination and approval for external messaging, media relations, and public communications, ensuring consistent and effective communication across departments. Establishes priorities and oversees communications resources, contracted support, and technology tools to support execution. This position emphasizes strategy, governance, and organizational coordination.

Supervision Received: City Administrator 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Essential Job Functions:
  1. Develops and oversees the City of Williston Communications Strategic Plan, focusing on priorities, emerging issues, and proactive communication strategies, while coordinating execution through staff and technology tools.  
  2. Provides coordination and strategic guidance to departmental Public Information Officers (PIOs) to support a Citywide communications program integrating public safety and non-public safety communications functions.
  3. Prepares, reviews, and approves executive communications, documents, and presentations on behalf of the City Administrator and Commissioners, coordinating with departments as needed and exercising sensitivity and diplomacy in public interactions. 
  4. Establishes and enforces Citywide visual, branding, and messaging standards for print and digital communications. Provides strategic guidance and approvals to ensure consistent external communications and leads coordination of internal communications across departments to support organizational alignment.
  5. Collaborates with Commissioners and the City Administrator to develop public relations and legislative communications strategies; provides strategic guidance and oversight rather than direct execution where appropriate. Serves as the City’s communications lead during emergencies as directed by the City Administrator, coordinating messaging, approvals, and execution across platforms and providers.  
  6. Provides oversight and coordination for broadcasting and presentation of content during public meetings, including audio-visual and digital platforms.
  7. Operates or ensures operation of audio-visual and broadcasting equipment for City Commission meetings and other public meetings as assigned.
  8. Leads planning and support for special events and economic development initiatives, preparing Commissioners and City staff with key messaging and materials.
  9. Manages website communications strategy and high-priority content; coordinates with departments to ensure accuracy, tone, accessibility, and timeliness.  
  10. Leads and oversees the City’s social media strategy, ensuring compliance with City policy, standards, and approval protocols.
  11. Prepares or reviews communications materials for Commissioners and City staff, including content for public speaking, media interviews, social media, and presentations, and provides guidance and coaching to support clear, consistent, and effective messaging.
  12. Represents the City at community events, public meetings, committees, and conferences as directed by the City Administrator; work-related travel is expected.
  13. Manages and coordinates contracted communications services and related technology tools, including AI-assisted engagement platforms, ensuring alignment with City priorities, approval protocols, records retention requirements, and public communications standards.
  14. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.  
  15. Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures, and legal requirements. 
Note: The functions and duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of the specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Preferred Qualifications: 
  1. Experience in municipal, county, or state government communications.
  2. Demonstrated success managing crisis communications and high-profile public issues.
  3. Executive presence and the ability to advise senior leadership and elected officials.
  4. Strong understanding of communication, public relations, and media relations principles.
  5. Experience operating effectively within a political and public-sector environment.
  6. Knowledge of open records laws, government transparency requirements, and public information practices.
  7. Mastery of English grammar, punctuation, and writing, including AP Style.
  8. Skill in creating clear, accurate, and compelling written and visual content.
  9. Knowledge of social media best practices, etiquette, content strategy, and analytics.
  10. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, in person, on camera, and before groups.
  11. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, media, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
  12. Ability to handle confidential or sensitive information with discretion and sound judgment.
  13. Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud or similar design software preferred.
  14. Understanding of website design principles, accessibility standards, and digital content management.
  15. Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure.
  16. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field preferred.

Experience: Five years of progressively responsible communication, public relations, or journalism experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Special Requirement: Valid North Dakota driver's license; must be bondable and insurable under the City’s motor vehicle insurance policy.

External Relationships: Builds and maintains constructive communication with media outlets, community partners, local organizations, and residents to support accurate information sharing and positive public engagement.

Internal Relationships: Collaborates consistently with City departments, leadership, and staff to ensure coordinated messaging, timely information flow, and alignment with organizational communication goals.

Equipment Used in Job Performance: Modern multimedia tools, including cameras and recording equipment; standard office equipment; and a personal computer utilizing software applications for word processing, graphic design, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, information retrieval and research, and other communication- and job-related functions.

Physical Demands: This position involves primarily sedentary office work with periodic walking, standing, and driving to meetings or off-site locations. The employee must be able to lift and carry materials up to 25 pounds. The role requires visual acuity, clear speech, and hearing sufficient for effective communication. Duties regularly involve speaking or hearing; using hands to handle, feel, or perform repetitive motions; and frequently standing, walking, and reaching with hands and arms. Occasional tasks may require sitting, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pushing or pulling, and lifting. Work also involves preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visually inspecting small materials or components, and observing general surroundings. Position requires availability outside of standard work hours for urgent or emergency situations. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. 

Work Environment: This position is primarily performed in an office environment with moderate noise levels and frequent computer use. Travel to meetings, events, businesses, and various sites within the community is required. Employees may work off-site to collect information, engage with community members, and present at meetings or public events.

Essential functions require the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods and to perform complex tasks requiring independent knowledge and its application to non-routine situations. Employees may be required to present or work indoors or outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat or cold.

There is no anticipated direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. The work environment characteristics described above are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position may require extended work hours, including evenings and weekends.

To be granted veterans' preference, the required forms, letters, or certificates must be submitted with the application.
 
The City of Williston does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, genetics, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services and complies with the provisions of the North Dakota Human Rights Act.
 
Any materials, files, documents, electronic tools, or other items collected or created by an employee in connection with their employment remain the property of the City. Additionally, all material created, transmitted/sent, received, deleted, downloaded, or stored using electronic tools are and remain the property of the City. Employees have no expectation of privacy when using City property.
 
The City of Williston is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.