Strategic Communications Officer (58539)

The Strategic Communications Officer leads the City's strategic communications, public information, brand management, and stakeholder engagement functions. This position provides high-level management and oversight of assigned programs, including direct supervision of the Communications Division.

The ideal candidate exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in decision-making, handles sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, and actively coaches staff to achieve organizational success. As a key member of the City's leadership team, this role addresses complex issues, drives innovation, and aligns department goals with overall City priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Media Relations: Serve as the City's Public Information Officer (PIO). Oversee messaging, press releases, media requests, and crisis communications during critical incidents or time-sensitive situations.

• Brand & Content Management: Direct the City's brand standards across all channels to maintain a consistent voice. Lead the creation of executive messaging, presentations, and publications, including the layout of the City's annual budget document in partnership with Finance.

• Team Leadership & Supervision: Manage, coach, and evaluate the Communications Division staff. Initiate personnel actions (hiring, discipline, performance reviews) and foster a culture of empowerment and innovation.

• Interdepartmental Advisory: Serve as an internal communications advisor to the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and department directors-with targeted support for HR, Economic Development, Police, and Parks & Recreation.

• Community Engagement & Issue Resolution: Investigate stakeholder and Board concerns, manage community relations, and attend civic events to maintain public trust.

• Administration & Budgeting: Prepare and manage the Communications budget, participate in strategic planning, and support performance management initiatives following ICMA best practices.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Initiative: Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and resolve complex issues where established procedures may not exist.

• Communication Expertise: Advanced skills in public relations, crisis management, executive writing, and digital media strategy.

• Relationship Building: Proven track record of building collaborative working relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, staff, and the public.

• Discretion: High degree of integrity when handling confidential or sensitive organizational information.

The City of Wentzville is committed to being an employer of choice, offering prosperous and meaningful career opportunities and flexibility. The City offers excellent benefits, including health, vision, dental, employer-paid life insurance, long-term disability, a retirement pension, 13 paid holidays, five personal days, vacation time, sick time, tuition reimbursement, an employee assistance program, a discounted recreation center membership and much more.

Click to view to view the full Job Description

This job posting will remain open until a sufficient number of qualified applicants are received.

Job Qualifications - Education, experience, and training that are required or desirable in order to effectively perform the job at the time of hire. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered. Additional requirements and/or substitutions may be requested and require the approval of HR.

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications or a related field required.

• Additional job experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience required.

• Additional job-related advanced degrees or certifications may be considered in lieu of experience.

• Previous experience with a Board or City Council is desired.

• Valid driver's license required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities - May be representative, but not all-inclusive, of those knowledge, skills, and abilities commonly associated with this position.

• In-depth knowledge of principles and practices of City management/administration and industry trends.
• Knowledge of social media, website, and digital communication trends.
• Understanding of budgeting, finance, and grant administration and programs/services offered is essential to the overall strategic communications planning.
• Proficiency in use of basic business software (word processing, spreadsheets, email, presentations) and basic office equipment.
• Proficiency in use of Adobe Creative Suite (Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Photoshop) and the ability to learn multiple software packages quickly.
• Ability to provide exceptional service to internal and external customers. Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with supervisors, co-workers, and customers by telephone, in writing, and in person.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential job duty. Job requires being reliable, responsible and dependable.