Communications Director
City of Pelham, AL
The City of Pelham is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and strategic communications professional to serve as its next Director of Communications. This senior leadership position reports to the City Manager's Office and is responsible for developing, leading, and executing Pelham's comprehensive communications strategy, including internal and external communications, public relations, media relations, branding, crisis communication, marketing, and reputation management.
The Communications Director works closely with the City Manager's Office to implement and manage the city's communications strategy. The Director provides professional and technical expertise to senior leadership and oversees the execution of communication initiatives across the organization. Responsibilities include identifying and recommending organizational solutions, making policy recommendations, developing and managing the communications budget, and overseeing the work of the City Communications team and professional consultants. This position also serves as the Public Information Officer during major events and emergency operations.
A defining feature of this role is its broad scope across Pelham's enterprise portfolio. In addition to citywide communications, the Director develops and oversees marketing and advertising strategies for Ballantrae Golf Club, the Pelham Racquet Club, and, in coordination with the City's professional management company, the Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena. This makes Pelham's Communications Director one of the most diverse and entrepreneurial communications leadership roles in Alabama local government.
The Ideal Candidate
The City of Pelham is seeking a communications professional who combines strategic vision with strong execution skills. This role requires courage and integrity: the courage to provide honest counsel on difficult issues and the integrity to ensure the city's public voice reflects its values. The ideal candidate is team-oriented, collaborative, and focused on long-term success rather than short-term recognition.
The ideal candidate will be:
A visionary leader who can develop and manage a comprehensive communications strategy while balancing daily operational demands across multiple platforms and audiences
An accomplished professional with experience leading strategic communications initiatives and supervising, mentoring, and evaluating staff
A collaborative team player who fosters strong relationships with department heads, elected officials, media representatives, and the public
A relationship-focused professional who builds trust through transparency, consistency, and accountability
Proficient in modern communications technology, including social media platforms and analytics, video production and editing, livestreaming, AI-driven marketing tools, and content management systems
An approachable leader who values feedback, exercises sound judgment, and operates with professionalism and integrity
Experienced in marketing and brand strategy, with the ability to develop and execute promotional campaigns for enterprise facilities such as a golf course, racquet club, and arena
Creative, data-driven, and entrepreneurial in identifying opportunities to increase visibility, engagement, and revenue for city assets
Salary
Hiring Range: $135,000 - $150,000
Application Process
For more information about this position, including supplementary documents and resources, visit the recruitment webpage at:
https://sumterlocalgovconsulting.com/recruitments/communications-direct…
First review of resumes will begin on June 10, 2026.
Please refrain from contacting City of Pelham's staff or elected officials directly. Questions regarding the recruitment process should be directed to:
Warren Hutmacher
Executive Recruiter
Email: warren@sumterconsulting.com
Phone: 404-535-0525
Website: www.sumterlocalgovconsulting.com