Communications Director

The Opportunity

The City of Johns Creek is seeking a dynamic Communications Director to serve as the primary voice of our City. We are seeking a strategic communications leader to support City decision-makers by bridging the gap between local government and the community, ensuring transparency, and advancing the City's strategic priorities. As the Communications Director, you will be the architect of our public identity, a key advisor to City leadership, and a vital link to our residents. If you excel at turning complex municipal policies into engaging narratives and can navigate the fast-paced world of media relations with poise, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Messaging: Develop and execute a comprehensive communications roadmap aligned with the City's long-term goals and strategic plan.
• Media Relations: Support the Mayor as a spokesperson and serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries, press conferences, and public statements.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of communications professionals.
• Digital Strategy: Oversee the City's brand, website, social media channels, and multimedia content to ensure a consistent, engaging digital presence.
• Crisis Communications: Partner with the Emergency Operations Center to deliver real-time, accurate notifications during critical situations.
• Community Partnership: Build lasting relationships with schools, businesses, and civic groups by attending events to stay in sync with our diverse residents.
• Fiscal Oversight: Manage the department's annual budget, ensuring efficient use of City resources and analyzing the return on investment for communication initiatives.

What You Bring to the Table

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 7 years of progressive experience in communications or media relations (or an equivalent combination of education and experience).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, or other related field from an accredited college or university.
• Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) or Certified Public Information Officer (CPIO) status.
• Prior experience in Municipal or County government.

Skills You'll Need

• Communication & Strategy: Strong written and verbal skills to translate complex policy into engaging narratives that align with City goals.
• Media & Digital Savvy: Established regional media relationships and proficiency with CMS, social media, and design tools.
• Public Sector Expertise: Knowledge of the Georgia Open Meetings Act and the Georgia Open Records Act, and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse demographics.
• Crisis & Flexibility: Calm under pressure and able to support evening meetings, weekend events, and emergencies.

You must submit BOTH a resume AND cover letter to be considered for this position.

Competitive salary and benefits package

The City of Johns Creek offers a competitive salary and benefits package. We encourage you to apply if you are passionate about delivering exceptional support and possess the required qualifications.

Explore outstanding healthcare options and exceptional retirement benefits with the City of Johns Creek! Our comprehensive package includes a generous 12% contribution of your base pay to the 401(a) plan and a $1 for $1 match up to 5% in the 457(b) retirement plans, potentially totaling up to 22%! Access financial adviser services at no extra cost. Enjoy a competitive salary package crafted to align with the unique responsibilities and benefits of the Communications Director. We offer competitive wages starting from $127,678 to $146,513 annually. This position is exempt.

About Us

Nestled in the northeast suburbs of Metro Atlanta, Johns Creek is Georgia's 10th-largest city and a premier destination for families and businesses. Home to 82,000 residents and supported by 291 dedicated employees, the City has built a reputation for safety and excellence since its incorporation in 2006. Recently recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the #1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. (2025-2026), Johns Creek also ranked #1 Best Atlanta Suburb in 2024 by livability.com and #1 place to raise a family in Georgia by Niche.com. As a leader in health, wellness, and innovation, we are committed to fostering a safe, vibrant, and forward-thinking community for everyone who calls Johns Creek home.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Johns Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, or any other class or status protected by law.

IMPORTANT: By submitting your resume online, you hereby authorize the City of Johns Creek to contact, obtain, and verify the accuracy of the information contained in this application from all previous employers, references, and educational institutions. You also release the City of Johns Creek and its representatives from liability for seeking, gathering, and using such information to make employment decisions and all other persons or organizations for providing such information. You understand that any misrepresentation or material omission made by you on this application will be sufficient cause for cancellation of this application or immediate termination of employment if you are employed, whenever it may be discovered.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information via this online portal. In fairness to other potential candidates for this position, unsolicited letters, emails, telephone calls, or in-person submissions will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed as received. The City reserves the right to close the position before the posted date if a sufficient number of qualified applications are received.