COMMUNICATIONS & EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
GBRA
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
PAY RANGE: $82,756.00 - $137,925.00
REPORTS TO: Deputy General Manager
DIVISION: Communications
WORK LOCATION: 2225 E. Common Street, New Braunfels, Texas
SUMMARY
The Communications & External Affairs Director is responsible for leading the strategic development and execution of GBRA’s communication, external affairs, and social media strategy. This position will lead and direct the development of departmental strategies ensuring alignment with business objectives.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Oversee and ensure the development and implementation of creative services, including external publications, branding, audio/video support, and social media.
- Leads and ensures GBRA provides consistent strategic messaging across all related disciplines, to include, but not limited to press releases, media advisories, and social media platforms.
- Acts as a senior level advisor on communications and external affairs issues. Works closely with executive leadership.
- Identifies key metrics that support GBRA communications and external affairs and ensures these indicators are aligned with business objectives.
- Represents GBRA and coordinates with stakeholders in areas of joint interest including events, initiatives, joint communication efforts, and community outreach.
- Directs and manages outside resources and vendors, including any contracted writers, PR firms, photography, videography, graphic design, social media, etc.
- Coordinates the development of GBRA’s corporate communications materials and publications including special projects. Ensures conformity with mission statement, goals and publication guidelines.
- Provides public information and media contact assistance during rainfall, flood, and other emergency events throughout the basin.
- Cultivate and manage key contacts with news media.
- Oversees and directs organizational response to inquiries from the public.
- Serves as the managing editor of all external publications, collateral material both print and electronic ensuring adherence to industry standards for design.
- Maintains external company branding initiatives including web presence, style, content of communication, and standards for presentation materials.
- Functions as the creative lead on web-site design and related initiatives.
- Is responsible for developing overall communications policies and guidelines.
- Provides materials, research, conducts special assignments, and handles general inquiries as requested by senior management.
- Oversees activities and events that create organizational awareness.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Knowledge of industry best practices and current trends in communications and external affairs.
- Ability to plan, develop, and implement strategic business plans.
- Ability to exhibit high standards of business and personal ethical conduct, leadership, teamwork, positive attitude, initiative and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with external customers including the Board of Directors, Executive Management Team, elected officials, policy makers, community leaders, contractors, consultants and industry leaders.
- Skilled in planning leading and managing creative communication projects.
- Strong writing, editing, proofreading, layout and design, professional printing/publishing skills are essential, including ability to present concepts verbally.
- Ability to effectively identify and respond to organizational and executive issues, concerns and needs.
- Demonstrates the ability to lead and direct staff to achieve department goals and initiatives.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media/social media.
- Proficient in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database presentation, desktop publishing, and graphics software.
EDUCATION
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in English, Communications, Political Science, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
Current valid driver's license and ability to remain insurable under GBRA’s vehicle liability policy.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience managing communications and media relations including development and implementation of a strategic communications plan.
Minimum two years of experience with social media platforms.
Knowledge of utilities or municipality a plus.
MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Yes.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Standard physical activity such as periodic standing, walking, sitting, and basic motor skills to operate necessary computer programs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.