Communications and Marketing Director

SALARY: $41.1610 – $51.3745, Hourly (DOE&Q) EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 10/21/2025
CLOSING DATE: 10/27//2025, Opened until Filled Externally

DEFINITION
To oversee the City’s digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and email newsletters. The Communications & Marketing Director will oversee the development of engaging content to inform and engage residents and stakeholders, as well as lead efforts to establish and promote a cohesive City brand that reflects Port Arthur’s identity and values.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED :
Receives general supervision from the City Manager or Assistant City Managers.
Direct supervision of communications, marketing, and public relations staff.
Indirect oversight of contractors, consultants, interns, and vendors as needed.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES - Essential and other important duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Manage and direct content strategy for the City’s website, social media accounts, and email newsletters to ensure timely, accurate, and engaging communication.
Lead development and execution of marketing campaigns, promotional initiatives, and public information programs to support city goals and services.
Oversee brand development and ensure consistent visual identity, messaging, and tone across all city departments and communication channels.

Prepare, review, and disseminate press releases, media advisories, public statements, speeches, newsletters, and other communications collateral.
Serve as the City’s primary media liaison; coordinate media requests, press conferences, interviews, and crisis communication responses.
Collaborate with departmental leadership to integrate communication strategies into departmental plans and projects.
Supervise, mentor, and evaluate communications/marketing staff, consultants, or contractors.
Monitor analytics and performance metrics (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement, email metrics) and adjust strategies to maximize impact.
Oversee departmental media buys, subscriptions, promotional materials, and digital tools.
Advise city leadership (Council, City Manager, department heads) on messaging strategies and public engagement plans.
Ensure compliance with public records, transparency, and disclosure laws (e.g., Texas Public Information Act).
Plan and coordinate community events, public outreach, and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Stay current on trends and best practices in communications, digital marketing, branding, and public engagement.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong media relations, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Proficient in digital communication tools (content management systems, social media platforms, analytics tools, video editing, graphic design).
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, campaigns, and projects concurrently.
• Strong leadership, team-building, and mentoring abilities.
• Budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including elected officials, staff, community organizations, and media.
• Knowledge of the public sector, local government operations, and public information laws (e.g., Texas Public Information Act).
• Ability to respond to emergencies, immediate public communications needs, or crises.
• Strong analytical skills to assess communication metrics, public feedback, and campaign effectiveness.

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standard office environment; frequent use of computers, phones, and other office equipment.
• Some local travel may be required for events, site visits, or meetings.
• Occasional after-hours work, weekend events, or emergency communications needs.
• Moderate physical activity (e.g. standing, walking, lifting materials up to 20–30 lbs.) associated with events or public outreach.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Master’s degree preferred (may substitute for some experience).

Experience :

• Experience with crisis communication and emergency response messaging.
• Multilingual or bilingual capabilities (preferred).
• Experience with video production, photography, or multimedia content creation.
• Familiarity with community engagement, public relations, and stakeholder outreach.
• Basic knowledge of the region and its unique demographics, challenges, and opportunities (preferred).

Training:

• At least 7–10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• At least 3–5 years in a supervisory/management role at the lead/strategic level.
• Prior experience in municipal or government communications is highly desirable.

Licensure or Certification :

Must possess or be able to obtain by the time of hire, a valid Class “C” Texas driver’s license.

Communications and Marketing Director – City Manager, Posting #25-076.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer