Director of Communications

Salary: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 Annually
Location : 0118 - Muni Court Housing
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 9138-HR
Department: 0118 - Muni Court Housing
Division: 011801 - Cleveland Muni Court-Housing
Opening Date: 04/15/2025
Closing Date: 5/15/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

Description
Director of Communications

JOB PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

The Director of Communication is responsible for managing and directing Housing Court's internal and external communications. The Director of Communication creates and implements communication strategies and serves as the key spokesperson and media contact for Housing Court. The Director of Communication contributes to fulfilling Housing Court's mission by organizing and implementing Housing Court's public-information activities to provide timely and accurate information in matters of public interest.

Examples of Duties
The following duties indicate the general nature and level of work performed by the Director of Communication. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of this position. Other duties may be required or assigned at any time.

Serve as Housing Court's spokesperson and media liaison to inform and educate the public.

Monitor media coverage about housing issues and responds to media inquiries.

Prepare, review, and edit press releases, articles, brochures, and other written materials, including Housing Court's quarterly newsletter.

Collect data and review materials for internal/external communications use.

Responsible for Housing Court's social media and online presence and policies including the court website.

Research and write copy for Housing Court's informational materials including forms, annual report, budget presentation, videos, and courtroom public-access television.

Maintain database of public-information contacts.

Oversee translation of written materials from English to other languages.

Assist and coach Housing Court's judge and staff with public-speaking engagements, presentations, and articles for publication.

Arranges and conducts Court tours.

Organize Housing Court's educational workshops including neighborhood clinics, landlord clinics, tenant clinics, investor clinics, and school outreach.

Work with external organizations to help them understand Housing Court's work and laws governing housing, zoning, and related issues.

Minimum Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field

Five years of professional experience in marketing, news media, advertising, broadcasting, public relations, communications, or a related field

Work experience demonstrating ability to handle the "Essential Duties and Responsibilities"

Social-media skills that include the major platforms

Proficient in basic computer skills, (Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet, e-mail)

Knowledge of desktop publishing and graphic-design skills

Valid Ohio driver's license, reliable vehicle, and vehicle insurance

Knowledge of common office practices, procedures, and equipment.

Must occasionally lift or push items weighing up to 50 lbs.

The qualifications and requirements listed above are guidelines for selection purposes. Alternative qualifications may be substituted if considered by the Court to be sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Additional consideration will be given to candidates who meet the following criteria:

Experience at a newspaper or broadcast group as a reporter or editor.

Experience with Microsoft or Apple production software.

Experience in organizing community meetings and outreach for a non-profit or government entity.

Knowledge of the City of Cleveland and its institutions

Supplemental Information
COURT EXPECTATIONS OF EMPLOYEE

The Court expects all members of its staff to adhere to all Court policies, guidelines, practices and procedures; act as a role model both inside and outside the Court; perform duties as workload necessitates in a timely, accurate and thorough manner; be conscientious about meeting department productivity standards; and communicate regularly with supervisor about department issues. Additional requirements for employment with the Court include the following.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of current principles and techniques of public-information and relations programs.

Skilled in writing for a variety of audiences.

Ability to write and edit in a variety of writing styles and ability to draft materials on a wide range of topics.

Strong editing and proofreading skills.

Able to maintain a flexible schedule depending on Housing Court's needs.

Strong analytical and organizational skills and the ability to function at a high level within a large, complex organization.

Ability to prioritize work, work independently without daily direct supervision, and manage a variety of projects simultaneously in a high pressure atmosphere under severe time constraints. Must have good time-management skills and be highly organized and detail-oriented.

Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with judges, Court employees, lawyers, outside agencies, businesses, news media, and the general public.

Ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.

Creativity and ability to conceive and implement innovative approaches to solve problems and meet objectives. Ability to recognize the need for change and respond with flexibility to changing program demands, propose solutions, and ensure that solutions are implemented.

Must be conscious of and sensitive to the diversity within the Court's jurisdiction and be able to interact professionally with this diverse population of people from many different geographic, socioeconomic, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds on a regular basis.

Patience, objectivity, maturity, effectiveness under stress, initiative, adaptability, and sound judgment.

COVID-19 VACCINE REQUIREMENTThe Cleveland Housing Court considers the health, safety and well-being of our entire community to be a top priority. In alignment with this priority, all new hires must provide proof of having received the COVID-19 vaccination.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT

The Director of Communication is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the Court; he/she is not in the classified civil service system and is not a member of a bargaining unit. The Court is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, religion, race, color, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, or disability.
The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.
The City of Cleveland makes available a variety of benefit options depending upon your employment status and any applicable union membership. In general, benefit options include comprehensive medical, dental, vision, prescription medical and life insurance. Specific information regarding benefit eligibility will be discussed and reviewed at the time of hire.