Director of Communications

Description

Vistra Communications, an award-winning marketing, communications and consulting agency, is seeking an experienced Director of Communications. Reporting to the Vice President of Public Sector Programs, this role will play a key role leading strategic communications and marketing initiatives primarily for public sector clients. The ideal candidate is experienced with developing relationships with local, regional and statewide government agencies. The primary responsibilities include managing projects, leading teams and winning new work. 

   Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications & Public Sector Engagement
  • Leads, plans and manages strategic communications initiatives for public sector and government clients.
  • Collaborates with clients and partners (such as engineering firms), to develop and execute public outreach and engagement strategies.
  • Provides strategic counsel on crisis communications and reputation management.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations
  • Builds and maintains strong strategic relationships with legislators, community leaders, industry influencers, government agencies and community organizations.
  • Develops and maintains relationships with media outlets at the local, regional and national levels.
  • Represents Vistra and clients at public meetings, industry events and community forums.
• Content Development & Media Relations
  • Writes, edits and reviews a variety of communications, including marketing collateral, website and social media content, media pitches and public relations materials.
  • Customizes and leads executive media training sessions to prepare clients for press and public appearances.
  • Develops messaging strategies that align with public policy, legislative initiatives and community priorities.
• Project & Team Leadership
  • Manages and develops project teams, schedules, budgets and performance metrics.
  • Uses project management tools to ensure projects stay on track and within scope.
  • Leads and mentors communications team members.
  • Supports process development and operational improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Business Development
  • Supports client acquisition and account growth through relationship-building, lead generation and proposal development. Plays key role in business development and maintaining relationships with public sector clients.
  • Identifies opportunities for Vistra to expand its impact with public sector clients.  

Requirements

 Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience, preferably in an agency setting.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a supervisory role, managing teams and multiple projects.
• Experience in communications with local governments, special governments, CRAs, or emergency management is desired.
• Strong relationships with local, regional and state government agencies and officials desired.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute communication strategies for large-scale public initiatives.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with experience in public relations, crisis communications and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong planning, organizational and project execution skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure while managing multiple deadlines.
• Some travel required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a team member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The team member is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. 
• The team member is regularly required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods and to communicate effectively.
• The role requires frequent use of hands to operate office equipment such as a keyboard and mouse.
• The team member may occasionally need to move or lift items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Visual acuity is required for reading and reviewing documents, using a computer, and conducting presentations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position requires working in the Vistra HQ office in Lutz, FL a minimum of four days per week. 

Vistra Communications is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Candidates requiring accommodations during the application or interview process should contact Human Resources.