Royal Oak Hiring Director of Communications
(City of Royal Oak, May 10, 2026)
Royal Oak, MI – The City of Royal Oak is hiring a Director of Communications.
The Director of Communications is responsible for the development of a proactive and strategic communications department that oversees communications project plans, community outreach, crisis communications, general engagement, and programs vital to the success of the city. This position is required to independently manage multiple tasks and projects with competing priorities and deadlines. The Director of Communications will work in partnership with the city manager and their staff to support and manage internal and external community engagement and information programs. This position also completed high level administrative functions including supervision, budgeting and contract compliance.
The employee exercises discretion and independent judgment under the general supervision of the City Manager or their designee.
Supervision is exercised over the community engagement specialist and other dedicated communications staff assigned to City Hall departments.
Strategic Communication and Planning
Develop, monitor, implement, and update a communications and brand management plan for the city, including two-way communications with the public, residents, business community, community organizations, City Commission, and city employees.
Create and administer the City communication plan to promote initiatives, foster engagement, and ensure a unified city message across all departments.
Develop an organization-wide Emergency Communications Plan and design, coordinate, and conduct annual tabletop crisis scenario exercises. May serve as the Public Information Officer on behalf of the city.
Create and manage a master content calendar that aligns the City’s communication activities with key events, initiatives, and milestones.
Assist with the selection and management of other two-way communication tools.
Media and Public Relations Management
Provide strategic guidance and oversight to a centralized team of media, communications, and multimedia service professionals.
Manage all media communications through print, digital, and social media sources.
Create, edit, and manage media releases and publications for the city and the city manager’s office as needed.
Establish and develop relationships with the media and serve as the city’s initial point of contact with the media.
Prepare talking points on issues for the manager, staff, and elected officials.
Monitor, recommend, and cover city activities for inclusion in media releases, the city’s website, and social media coverage.
Digital and Social Media Management
Develop and maintain the City’s social media policy to guide how departments establish, manage, and maintain their accounts.
Provide oversight to ensure social media activities align with the City’s communication goals and standards.
Assist departments in creating and implementing strategies for effective social media engagement.
Citizen and Stakeholder Engagement
Respond to citizen communications received via all forms of communication.
Provide advice and training to departments on effective communication methods, including responding to the press and preparing media releases.
Leadership, Training, and Representation
Design, coordinate, and implement media training for City Commission and Department Heads.
Conduct regular training sessions to ensure department staff are equipped to follow established communication standards.
Attend the manager’s staff and agenda meetings, city commission meetings, and committee meetings as necessary.
May represent the city in intergovernmental meetings as assigned, including the Intergovernmental Cable Communications Authority.
Performs supervision work for employees as assigned.
Provide support for other city activities for the city manager’s office as needed.
Administrative and Contract Management
Manage contract compliance and act as a point of contact for contracts related to the production of television content and programming.
Perform administrative functions as a department head, including budgeting, organizational leadership, and managing contracts as needed to fulfill the mission of the department.
Assist the manager and staff in preparation for meetings and presentations (e.g., check venues, test equipment, review presentations).
Maintain a high level of confidentiality regarding city information and activities.
PERIPHERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Attend and participate in professional organization meetings, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of innovations and new trends related to duties and responsibilities.
Prepare reports and related information as directed by the City Manager.
Communicate the City’s policies, procedures and programs to City Commission (through the City Manager’s Office), staff, the community. and others both orally and in writing.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the City Manager.
Application Special Instructions:
Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interview, and reference check. Job-related tests may be required.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of 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.
More info: Michigan Municipal League Job Page
