This position has been reopened for additional applications due to updated Education and Experience requirements and Knowledge, Skills, Abilities section. All prior submitted applications will be considered based on revised requirements. If you have any questions please contact Kimberly Shigeoka at kshigeoka@albemarle.org or 434-296-5827 ext. 5862.

Director of Communications and Community Engagement

County Executive’s Office

The next Albemarle County Director of Communications and Community Engagement will direct the County’s communications, community engagement, and public information programs. The director will also develop strategies for effective communication to inform and involve the community in local government operations and activities is an executive level professional position reporting directly to the County Executive. Specific responsibilities include managing citizen participation in county government activities and supporting community partnerships to ensure meaningful public engagement in planning and policy development for Albemarle County. In addition, the Director of Communications and Community Engagement is responsible for directing the media relations program, and both the County’s internal and external websites. The County’s growth and urbanization, changing demographics and changing media landscape in recent years brings new challenges and complexities to our environment.

Key Attributes of Our Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrated knowledge and skillset to successfully and strategically integrate the goals and objectives of the Board and staff into a comprehensive communications plan designed to enable the County to be consistently proactive in communicating with the public, key stakeholders and other units of government. 
• Takes a proactive approach in bringing people together and thinking about the well-being of the community; addresses concerns from community and staff, sometimes before the concern is even realized 
• Exhibits listening and understanding of local concerns, clearly communicates areas of consensus and shared vision, articulates thoughtful solutions, is able to identify and invite stakeholders to the table; and keeps the Board and other stakeholders fully informed as appropriate 
• Fosters a culture of diversity within the workforce; respects and values the diversity of the community; builds trust and works well with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and all levels of the County government, school division, and community; occasional debate is often characteristic of the role, requiring considerable skill in diplomacy, tact and discretion 
• Is committed to transparency through disclosure, clarity, and accuracy in communications with stakeholders; Ability to filter broad scope of information, interpret Board inquiries, and communicate detailed technical information in straightforward and synthesized manner and clearly present visualization of data and information 
• Has a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and passion for the work and is not deterred by obstacles; has a strong work ethic, high integrity and warmth of character necessary to work with consistency and high quality of both results and of ethics while maintaining a warm positive tone and approach with both internal and external constituencies; Models professionalism and expects professional behavior from staff 
• Embraces high performing organization principles by encouraging continuous improvement; Demonstrated record of building a strong, cohesive team and providing direction and motivation to move the office forward in a progressive, responsive and accountable way; flexible, realistic and can motivate others to achieve positive change 
• Experience with contemporary electronic media capabilities, to include video capability 
• Demonstrated success in implementing communications strategies during crisis situations

View our full position profile and learn more about this opportunity to become our Director of Communications and Community Engagement at: Director of Communications and Community Engagement Profile

PROCESS: Qualified candidates should submit their cover letter, resume and application online.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Monday, August 6, 2018, 5:00 p.m. EST

Learn more about the County as a great place to live at: New Resident Guide

EEO/EOE